《The Phoenix Saga: Ranko's Songbook》 Rise Alone with no place left that you call home, nobody waiting by the phone, no one to care that you''re not there, no one to defend you... Somehow, the shadow always tracks you down, ''til you''ve got one knee on the ground and the next mistake is all it''ll take for it to end you. It tries. It breaks your heart and tells you lies. Wrings angry tears out of your eyes, until the pain drives you half-insane and terror blinds you. But then, something stirs in you again. You don''t know how, you don''t know when, but a quiet voice offers you the choice to leave it all behind you. Dust off your hands, take a breath, take a stand, and admit that you might have been wrong. Your heart still remembers the smoldering embers; the fire was in you all along! [Chorus] RISE like a dragon and RISE from the agony! RISE and rekindle the flame! When life turns to ashes, you go get the matches and sear away all of the shame! Burn like a demon to earn what you''re dreamin''. The Phoenix inside never dies! You ignite, and you RISE! You might have almost given up the fight. Forgotten how to be alright. Hey, but it''s okay to not know your way when you first get going. It''s not fair that most of us don''t start off there, but everyone belongs somewhere, and the hardest part is guessing where to start, but never really knowing. The pain ends when you don''t have to make amends. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.When chosen family, loyal friends, all have got your back, help you stay on track, ''cause they''re all behind you. You have grown, but no one gets there on their own, and when you think that you''re alone, it''s the ones you love that are thinking of new ways to remind you. You were lonely and scared and nowhere near prepared. There were lessons you needed to learn. But now''s it''s your mission to start reignition! Your heart is just waiting to burn! RISE like a dragon and RISE from the agony! RISE and rekindle the flame! When life turns to ashes, you go get the matches and sear away all of the shame! Burn like a demon to earn what you''re dreamin''. The Phoenix inside never dies! You ignite, and you RISE! No shadow can claim you. No challenge can tame you. You''re stronger than you realize. There isn''t a thing which could ever extinguish the inferno that burns in your eyes! RISE like a dragon and RISE from the agony! RISE and rekindle the flame! When life turns to ashes, you go get the matches and sear away all of the shame! Burn like a demon to earn what you''re dreamin''. The Phoenix inside never dies! You ignite, and you RISE! RISE like a dragon and RISE from the agony! RISE and rekindle the flame! When life turns to ashes, you go get the matches and sear away all of the shame! Burn like a demon to earn what you''re dreamin''. The Phoenix inside never dies! (Never dies!) (Never dies!) (Never dies!) (Never dies!) You ignite, and you RISE! Sneak You say you''re not sorry that we''re lovers, babe. Why''d you hide me underneath the covers, babe? You tell me I don''t have any flaws, but then, why''s my stuff still locked up in your closet, then? You tell everybody that there''s no one here, and lock the door and touch me and it sends me to the stratosphere. I don''t understand the need for this mystique. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, don''t get caught! You don''t want anyone to know about this thing we''ve got! Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, don''t tell yet and let ''em think that it''s the temperature that makes you sweat! You act like you''ve started hearing wedding bells. Still, your friends try to hook you up with someone else. When they''re next to you, it''s like you don''t know I''m alive. The second that they look away, you push me into overdrive. I can''t help it, falling underneath your spell. You''re the best at kiss, and kiss, and never tell. We''re living in a game of hide-and-seek. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, no one knows how many nights I''ve lay here begging you to hold me close. Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, tell those lies and don''t admit the way my body leaves you hypnotized. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. You made me your dirty little secret, then you made me your dirty little freak again. I''m a good girl, prim and proper innocence. They don''t see your fingers creepin'' up my dress. I''ll keep quiet for you, baby, it''s okay; hold my breath so they don''t hear you take my breath away. The way you move my body makes me weak. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, hide your face, so no one figures out it''s you touching my special place! Speak, baby, speak, baby, you''re my dream! That''s why I''m buried in my pillow when you make me scream... You don''t seem to notice how it gets to me that you won''t let them know you''re sleeping next to me. Every heartbeat, I am under your command. What I''d give if you''d let them see you hold my hand. I''m your candy, baby, drip me off your arm. Let them talk, babe, we ain''t doing nothin'' wrong. You say you think I''m perfect and unique, but if I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Speak, baby, speak, baby, tell them please the way your whisper in my ear can put me on my knees. Speak, baby, speak, baby, say it''s true that you''re okay with people knowing I belong to you. Speak, baby, speak, baby, say you''re mine and send another little shiver up and down my spine. Speak, baby, speak, baby, say I''m yours and I don''t have to be your lover just behind closed doors. I''ve done my best at playing mild and meek, but I''m tired of these teardrops on my cheek. All I want is you beside me. All you want to do is hide me. Babe, if I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Call Me Pandora Call me Pandora tonight. Can¡¯t seem to do anything right. I played with fire, and you¡¯re the one who¡¯s getting burned. What I¡¯d give to just go back to one heartbeat before I cracked and tell the stupid girl I was the things I¡¯ve learned. But no, I broke off all the locks and I ripped open that damned box and I said awful things that just can¡¯t be unsaid. Now you¡¯re hurting constantly, and I know it¡¯s because of me. I only wish that I was suffering instead. I was pretty close to biting off my tongue to keep from fighting. Didn¡¯t wanna say the things inside my head. I kept it all locked up inside until my heart had damn near died, and wasn¡¯t sure it didn¡¯t wish that it was dead. I took all those angry thoughts and stuffed them down inside that box, and they got nastier each second they were hid. I did my best at playing tough, but one day I¡¯d just had enough, and let all hell break loose when I took off the lid. With my heartbeat racing faster, I ran straight into disaster trying to find a way to tell you how I feel. I let out what was contained and nothing since has been the same. I hurt us both in ways I¡¯m not sure I can heal. When we had everything at stake, I went and made a huge mistake. I was mad and only thinking of myself. We could just have kept on livin¡¯. If I¡¯d known, what I¡¯d have given to have left that fucking box there on the shelf. So, call me Pandora tonight. Can¡¯t seem to do a damned thing right. I played with fire, and you just keep on getting burned. What I¡¯d give to just go back to one heartbeat before I cracked and make the broken girl I was see what I¡¯ve learned. Instead, I melted all the locks and I smashed open that damned box, and I said awful things I wish I didn¡¯t say. And now, you¡¯re hurting constantly. I damn near ruined you and me. I don¡¯t know how, but you still loved me anyway. If I only knew someone who could undo the things I¡¯ve done, This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.who could erase the things I said to you in spite, I¡¯d have them open up my heart - it¡¯s way too late, but it¡¯s a start - and fill it up with words to help me make it right. And I¡¯d reseal all of those locks and throw away that stupid box, bury it deep beneath this mountain of regret. Just maybe one day I¡¯ll forgive myself and somehow learn to live with it, but I can¡¯t really say it¡¯s happened yet. I should¡¯ve known that I was wrong, not sang one word of that damned song, but I was desperate, scared and blinded by my rage. All I did was take one look. I can¡¯t believe that¡¯s all it took to let the things I feared the most out of their cage. Wish I could say it¡¯s not my fault, but when I opened up that vault trying to make you understand and help me cope, I let the monsters in my head escape and threaten you instead. I swear that all that I was searching for was hope. So, call me Pandora tonight, praying things somehow turn out right. I played with fire, and now we both are getting burned. What I¡¯d give to just go back to one heartbeat before I cracked and show that stupid girl how quickly it all turned. Instead, I smashed open that box. I don¡¯t know why I couldn¡¯t talk, why I just couldn¡¯t tell you what I had to say. And now, you¡¯re hurting constantly. I¡¯m not sure why you¡¯re still with me, but I am grateful for it every single day. I just couldn¡¯t keep it sealed, and once my feelings were revealed, all they did was complicate and make things worse. I was so screwed up in the head, I didn¡¯t listen when they said I should have burned that page before I sang a verse. I know there¡¯s nothing I can say to make the things I did okay; enough "I¡¯m sorries" in the world to make it good. Guess I can only hope you know that if I could, I¡¯d make it so. If I could turn back time to fix it, babe, I would. So this is Pandora tonight, doing my best to put things right. I played with fire and everything almost got burned. And I just keep on thinking back to one heartbeat before I cracked and how much better I feel now with all I¡¯ve learned. I think I finally can say it''s time to throw that box away, and not keep everything I feel locked up inside. I just hope we can start again, and if we¡¯re lucky, maybe then, one day, we¡¯ll say tonight¡¯s the night Pandora died. Its Christmas Every Day (That Im With You) Pretty sure there¡¯s people singing carols in the street, ¡®cause my heart is full of music every single time we meet. Every tree and rooftop¡¯s all aglow with colored light when I see their reflections in your eyes again tonight! I could swear it¡¯s snowing even though I¡¯m safe and warm; I¡¯m not cold or scared when you¡¯re my shelter from the storm. My whole world is red and green, and never, ever blue, It¡¯s Christmas every day that I¡¯m with you! There¡¯s a holly branch hung up on every door in fall, and even when it¡¯s springtime, I¡¯m out singin¡¯ Deck the Halls Cuddled up with eggnog by the fireplace in June, ¡®cause every night is Christmas Eve and Santa¡¯s comin¡¯ soon! Joy and love and laughter fill my heart the whole year through ¨C It¡¯s Christmas every day that I¡¯m with you! Santa¡¯s brought me what I¡¯m asking for each day this year, ¡®cause every morning, I wake up, and baby, you¡¯re still here! I could swear I saw some stockings by the fireplace, or maybe this excitement¡¯s just because I saw your face? Might as well be shiny baubles hanging from a tree and underneath, a present wrapped up pretty just for me. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.Everything is sparkling and magical and new - It¡¯s Christmas every day that I¡¯m with you! There¡¯s a holly branch hung up on every door in fall, and even when it¡¯s springtime, I¡¯m out singin¡¯ Deck the Halls Cuddled up with eggnog by the fireplace in June, ¡®cause every night is Christmas Eve and Santa¡¯s comin¡¯ soon! Joy and love and laughter fill my heart the whole year through ¨C It¡¯s Christmas every day that I¡¯m with you! Every night I lie awake and sleigh bells fill the air. I think there¡¯s reindeer on my roof, but right now, I don¡¯t care! My calendar is always on December twenty-fifth, ¡®cause Christmas isn¡¯t just the day, but who I spend it with. Every step I take these days is under mistletoe so I can feel your kisses almost everywhere I go. You can keep your Golden Week, Obon, and New Year¡¯s too! It¡¯s Christmas every day that I¡¯m with you! There¡¯s a holly branch hung up on every door in fall, and even when it¡¯s springtime, I¡¯m out singin¡¯ Deck the Halls Cuddled up with eggnog by the fireplace in June, ¡®cause every night is Christmas Eve and Santa¡¯s comin¡¯ soon! Joy and love and laughter fill my heart the whole year through ¨C It¡¯s Christmas every day that I¡¯m with you! I wished upon a Christmas star, and baby, it came true ¨C It¡¯s Christmas every day that I¡¯m with you! Fly You¡¯re so full of promise, you¡¯ll burst at the seams. Girl, you¡¯re body¡¯s too small to contain all those dreams. The secrets to catching them can not be found if you don¡¯t take the leap and you stay on the ground. I¡¯m already so proud of how far you will go. I will always be cheering for you from below. So don¡¯t ever settle, always reach for more. If it¡¯s too high to reach, girl, then take off and soar! Push off and go, baby, take to the air! With your feet off the ground you can go anywhere! There¡¯s no rivers, no mountains, no boundaries, no walls. When you¡¯re up in the clouds there¡¯s no limits at all. Nothing¡¯s impossible if you just try. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.Close your eyes, take a breath, jump... and fly! Sometimes the days are a struggle, so fight! It¡¯s worth meeting the challenge to finally take flight. Push away all the meaningless, trivial things so there¡¯s plenty of space for you to spread your wings. Don¡¯t let them tell you what cannot be done. You¡¯re too strong to be limited by anyone. If you are focused you can¡¯t be denied. Gravity¡¯s one more rule that¡¯s meant to be defied. Push off and go, baby, take to the air! With your feet off the ground you can go anywhere! There¡¯s no rivers, no mountains, no boundaries, no walls. When you¡¯re up in the clouds there¡¯s no limits at all. Nothing¡¯s impossible if you just try. Close your eyes, take a breath, jump... and fly! I promise you, girl, you belong in the sky! Close your eyes, take a breath, jump... and fly! Youre My Song Did you know the way time stops when our eyes meet? The way that everything else fades out of my mind? Did you know I hear your name in each heartbeat? That you¡¯re the one my soul was always meant to find? Did you know I¡¯ve never felt this way before? I didn¡¯t know that it was possible at all. Did you know no matter how much I get, I want more? The more you raise me up, the harder that I fall. I hope you did, but if you didn¡¯t, I wanna tell you endlessly. Don¡¯t want a second to go by that you don¡¯t know you are the very best of me. Most people think my life is music. They hear me sing and they¡¯re not wrong. But when they see the joy I feel up on that stage, I¡¯m just the singer. You¡¯re my song. Did you know I¡¯m not the person that I was, and I have changed so many things inside of me? Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Did you know that I¡¯m so proud of that, because it made my arms a place that you could wanna be? Did you know that I feel safest when you¡¯re holding me? You are the shelter I can build my life beneath. Did you know that I can feel your love re-molding me? I need your presence like the very air I breathe. I hope you did, but if you didn¡¯t, I wanna tell you endlessly. Don¡¯t want a second to go by that you don¡¯t know you are the very best of me. Most people think my life is music. They hear me sing and they¡¯re not wrong. But when they see the joy I feel up on that stage, I¡¯m just the singer. You¡¯re my song. Did you know that everything is falling into place? That my life is finally starting to make sense? Did you know that my whole universe is just your face? I never dreamed I¡¯d find a love half this intense. Did you know the way I crave the sweetness of your lips? The way I ache for you each second I¡¯m alone? Did you know that there¡¯s a magic in your fingertips, and when you touch me, anywhere we are is home? I hope you did, but if you didn¡¯t, I wanna tell you endlessly. Don¡¯t want a second to go by that you don¡¯t know you are the very best of me. Most people think my life is music. They hear me sing and they¡¯re not wrong. But when they see the joy I feel up on that stage, I¡¯m just the singer. You¡¯re my song. Not Yours, Dont Touch Na, na-na, na! Na, na-naaa, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, naaa! Na, na-na, not yours! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-naaa, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, naaa! Na, na-na, not yours! (I guess) You think that if you follow me around then I¡¯ll give in to you. I probably should tell you straight, I¡¯m really not that into you. The way you chase me everywhere is gettin¡¯ kinda scary, so I¡¯m here to send the message to you clearly and in stereo. You must see how I look and think that I¡¯m a perfect angel ¡®cause you didn¡¯t seem concerned that when I¡¯m mad, I¡¯m fucking dangerous! You wanna be the guy for me? Oh man, you must be joking. If I feel your fingers on my ass again, they¡¯ll wind up broken. I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But I¡¯m gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do. Keep your fingers off of things that don¡¯t belong to you. Boy, I never really liked you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-naaa, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, naaa! Na, na-na, not yours! It¡¯s time to set the record straight and maybe I¡¯ll get through to you, ¡®cause it¡¯s painfully obvious you don¡¯t know who you¡¯re talking to. You think that you¡¯ll just show up at my club and get my kisses, but you¡¯re just the type of guy who tries to hit the floor and misses. I honestly can say I¡¯ve never met someone more lame than you. It¡¯s pretty sad when Super Mario has way more game than you! I think that you should take a beat. Examine your priorities. Go buy a bigger TV if you¡¯re trying to see more of me. I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But I¡¯m gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do. Keep your fingers off of things that don¡¯t belong to you. No, she never really liked you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! I understand your thinking, dude, you¡¯re digging my aesthetic, but your problem is, your vibe is coming off as just pathetic. Yeah, don¡¯t think I haven¡¯t noticed that your hand¡¯s under the table! I¡¯m too hot for you to handle. Should¡¯ve read the warning label. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.The fact you even think you¡¯re in my league is just adorable. I¡¯ve seen you at your best, and boy, your best is fucking horrible! So, think about the way you act and maybe re-evaluate. You can¡¯t get with me for a second, let alone a second date! I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But I¡¯m gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do. Keep your fingers off of things that don¡¯t belong to you. Yeah, nobody really likes you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na Na, na-na, not yours! You thought that if you spread some lies, I''d play your little scene? Well, you¡¯re in my castle now, and on this stage, all hail the queen! Hey, are you okay? You¡¯re looking like your confidence is laggin¡¯. Guess that¡¯s the price you pay when losers try to dance with Dragons! Dude, I don¡¯t know what went through your head, ¡°She¡¯s hot, I¡¯m gonna date her?¡± Boy, my RISE was meteoric. Now I¡¯ll leave you in a crater. Your lines are tired and laughable. ¡°I¡¯m burning with desire?¡± Bitch, you¡¯re talking to a Phoenix, I was fucking born in fire! I see you tryin¡¯ to sneak away. I see you mouthing curses. But you¡¯re not going anywhere. We¡¯ve still got two more verses! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! You think that this is bad, just wait, ¡®cause here¡¯s something for you to know: as soon as I get down from here, I¡¯m heading to the studio. I¡¯m gonna drop a master of this crazy bangin¡¯ track I wrote, and tell ¡®em how I came up here and crammed it down some loser¡¯s throat. And once it¡¯s on that record, no one ever will forget it. I¡¯d sign your copy for you, if you weren¡¯t too broke to get it. You could have just accepted no, and moved on to some other bitch, but now? Your gravestone¡¯s gonna say, ¡°here lies that asshole Ranko ditched.¡± I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But I¡¯m gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do, and it¡¯s time you realized I don¡¯t belong to you! No one¡¯s ever gonna like you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! I¡¯ve wasted enough time on you. I¡¯ll say this in conclusion: I think it''s probably time for you to give up this delusion. Whoever winds up next to me is gonna treat me properly, but you think just ¡®cause you¡¯re a guy, I¡¯m gonna be your property. I know you wanna notch your belt and tell the boys I dated you, but didn''t think to ask me first, so I humiliated you. I¡¯m with someone who¡¯s good for me and treats me like an equal. She told you once, now back off, boy, or I¡¯ll go write the sequel! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Dude, she¡¯s never gonna like you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! Nothing You just got home from a long, long day, you wanna let off steam. It''s my fault, I should be ready, but I was lost in a daydream. I could open up my closet, pick out something for our date, but the more I think about it, you know what really would be great? Let''s skip our dinner plans. I don''t need red wine. Just a blanket and some popcorn and your arms will do just fine. Let''s watch old movies, and you can play with my hair. there''s no dress code for our living room, and if there is, I just don''t care. Tonight Cinderella''s saying no to the ball, because I''d rather stay right here with you tonight, wearing nothing at all. I could put on that white sundress, the one you like on me. There''s that dark blue denim skirt that doesn''t reach down to my knees. We could go more formal, break out my bridesmaid''s gown, just in case you wanna show me off at all the hottest joints in town. I don''t know what you''re planning. Making me pick¡¯s not fair! You can dress me up if you wanna, but you don''t have to take me anywhere. You''ve been waiting for this all week long, and baby, I have too, but there''s nothing in my closet that looks as good on me as you! Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Let''s skip our dinner plans. I don''t need red wine. Just a blanket and some popcorn and your arms will do just fine. Let''s watch old movies, and you can play with my hair. there''s no dress code for our living room, and if there is, I just don''t care. Tonight Cinderella''s saying no to the ball, because I''d rather stay right here with you tonight, wearing nothing at all. I''ve got all these outfits from all my nights on stage. My sister says all the magazines say they''re the latest rage. Wore this one for Halloween, and here''s my Christmas dress. This green outfit from my birthday party''s fine enough, I guess. My little pink dress is perfect to break your concentration. The way it fits me doesn¡¯t leave a lot to the imagination. And here''s my leather jacket from when I first sang Rise, but tonight the only thing that I want on me is your eyes. I could do an old tee shirt, a worn-out pair of jeans... But I can''t wait for laundry day, ''cause you know what that means¡­ We get to order some takeout, open our own red wine. I get to lay here on a blanket getting some of your quality time. Turn off the movie, and you can play with my hair. There''s a dress code for our bedroom, and baby, I''m already there! Tonight Cinderella''s saying no to the ball, because I''d rather be right here with you tonight, wearing nothing at all! Freak I know I¡¯m not what you wanted! I¡¯ll never make you proud! I can see in your face you¡¯re haunted by the way that I work a crowd! I know you hate my behavior, think that I¡¯m gonna bring you shame. You just wanna play the savior so you can force me to play your game. Drives you nuts that I¡¯m a pop star when you wanted a fucking clone. You want me to leave this dive bar. I want you to leave me alone! I know you think I¡¯m a freak because I¡¯m not like you, and I¡¯m not wasting one more second asking what you¡¯d do! I¡¯m doing it my way! I¡¯m blazing a trail! I¡¯m gonna be the one to own it even if I fail! Don¡¯t need your permission; I really don¡¯t care! Why would I walk in your footsteps when they lead nowhere? You taught me to run and cower every time the fight got tough. Now you can¡¯t believe my power! But, you still tell me I¡¯m not enough. You said I should hide my feelings; certain things just should not be faced. Now I do a bit more healing with every lie of yours I erase! All of your supposed lessons turned out to be just a fucking joke! My therapist will need a thousand sessions to fix all of the shit you broke! I know you think I¡¯m a freak, and yeah, it¡¯s probably true, but every single thing I hate in me came straight from you! Man, I gave you a chance, but it¡¯s finally my turn! I¡¯ve still got a lot of stuff I¡¯ve gotta go unlearn! So leave me alone! Yeah, I¡¯m drawing the line! You¡¯ve already wasted your life, and you can¡¯t have mine! You hate that I¡¯m not a good girl. I¡¯ll never be some submissive toy. But I¡¯m here to tell the whole world you¡¯re still pissed that I¡¯m not a boy! I can¡¯t be the son you hoped for. I know it¡¯s tearing you apart. All that I can say is cope more, `cause this girl¡¯s a fucking work of art! Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! You think I¡¯ll bow down to you, man; always wanted me to think I¡¯m less But I can do so much more than you can, and I can do it in a cocktail dress! I know you think I¡¯m a freak because I don¡¯t want you here, but I don¡¯t need another dose of poison in my ear! Calling me worthless, saying I¡¯m a disgrace, telling me to be respectful and to learn my place. I won¡¯t say that I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t apologize for refusing to be everything that I despise! I know that you¡¯re disappointed. You think you¡¯ve been betrayed just ¡®cause I won¡¯t be exploited. I¡¯m not a trinket for you to trade! You think I¡¯ll be your big ticket, marry me off to some wealthy guy. Let me tell you where you can stick it, and here¡¯s a spoiler: it ain¡¯t your eye! You just wanna hitch your wagon to a star that drives the masses wild. Think I¡¯ll want you when I¡¯m a Dragon? You didn¡¯t even want me as your child! I know you think I¡¯m a freak. That¡¯s why you treat me like trash! You burned me up, but surprise, asshole! I rose from the ash! You want to fight for me now, but I am not afraid! I¡¯ve worked too damned hard at cleaning up this mess you made. And the further I go now, the more that I find the only way that I move forward¡¯s leaving you behind! I know you think I¡¯m a freak, but you¡¯re the one that¡¯s to blame. All I did was shape the iron you threw in the flame. I¡¯m not like anyone else. Not made of porcelain or gold. But everything I love in life came ''cause I broke your mold! I¡¯m not ashamed of myself! I¡¯ve got no reason to hide! You stole everything else good from me, but not my pride! I know you think I¡¯m a freak, and all my fans think it, too! The only difference is, they love me. Why the hell can¡¯t you? This is just who I am. There¡¯s no regret, and no guilt. The only normal life I¡¯ve ever known¡¯s the one I¡¯ve built! I¡¯m standing my ground, I¡¯m gonna live life out loud, And if that makes me a freak, this freak is fucking proud! I know you think I¡¯m a freak, and I guess that¡¯s how I¡¯ll stay. Put yourself out of my misery and go away! You Cant Hurt Me Anymore There was a time when all I wanted was to make you proud. And I would try, and not ask why, to do the things you said I should, and not to do the things that weren¡¯t allowed. There was a time when I thought you were a hero. I wanted to be just like you, but looking back, I realize you just don¡¯t look that good at all from here, though. There was a time when I thought you knew what¡¯s best for me. For all those years, I hid my tears to show you I was big and strong, but you ignored and minimized the rest of me. There was a time when I thought you worth impressing. I gave my all, and still felt small, because the stronger I became, the more you thought that I needed oppressing. But that was then, and this is now, and all the tears I cried for all those years This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.are drying up somehow. I knew I couldn¡¯t run to you, so I ran to the door. So, I¡¯m sorry. You can¡¯t hurt me anymore. Now is the time that I¡¯m becoming who I¡¯m meant to be. It should have been you now and then to tell me I was doing right. You didn¡¯t, and it almost meant the end of me. Now is the time for me to unlearn all your worst mistakes: the parts of you I was subjected to that punished me each time I failed or faltered. Do you know how much work that takes? Now is the time for me to build a new foundation. And every day, I find a way to ensure the person I become is far beyond your small imagination. Now is the time for me to finally make the choice. I¡¯ve figured out that every doubt and angry thing I say inside my head about myself, I hear in your voice. ¡®Cause that was then, and this is now. And all the tears I cried for all those years are drying up somehow. I knew I couldn¡¯t run to you, so I ran to the door. So, I¡¯m sorry. You can¡¯t hurt me anymore. It wasn¡¯t that I didn¡¯t want you. It¡¯s just, I really needed more. And so, I¡¯m sorry. You can¡¯t hurt me anymore. Demon in Your Radio Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Look out, look out! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! She¡¯s gonna make you shout! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Beware the flow! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Turn off the radio! It¡¯s the legendary lyricist, the Phoenix rose, here to shake your body from your hair down to your toes! It starts in your ears and flows down your spine, works its way into your hips until it makes you mine! Oozes down into your heart and it infects your soul until your whole entire body starts to lose control. ¡®Cause the second you start hearing my hypnotic groove you¡¯ll forget how to think, and you can only move! Don¡¯t be shy, everyone knows you can¡¯t help but lose it when your system¡¯s overridden by the sound of music! It¡¯s not your fault, nobody can maintain their focus When they¡¯re sucked into the Dragon-style hocus-pocus! Don¡¯t know why you¡¯re surprised that you¡¯re completely transfixed and absolutely mesmerized by the track that we mixed. With Ranko on the mic, Crash strummin¡¯, Ken drummin¡¯, Shin and Jacob dropping bombs back there, you should¡¯ve seen it coming! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Beware the flow! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Turn off the radio! You can¡¯t help but dance. There¡¯s no time to rest. There¡¯s a siren on the mic that¡¯s making you possessed! There¡¯s nowhere to hide! Nowhere to go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. There¡¯s another verse coming, so I¡¯m back from hell to put your shaking butt right back under my spell. There¡¯s a slither in my rhythm, shipped in straight from Hades, heatin¡¯ all the boys up, and most of the ladies! So, don¡¯t call a doctor, don¡¯t call a priest! You¡¯re a thrall to the rhythm and can¡¯t be released! All that¡¯s left is to surrender and profess devotion as you¡¯re lyrically commanded to perpetual motion! I¡¯m a psycho on the microphone, vile and evil! With a rhythm this insidious, it¡¯s gotta be illegal! As long as you can hear me, then you¡¯re mine for the taking! Now my devilish revelry¡¯s got your skeleton shaking! Your muscles take over, your mind¡¯s deactivated as this tricksy singing pixie makes you totally captivated. Might as well give in and come to grips with your fate; once you heard the bass drop, it was already too late! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Beware the flow! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Turn off the radio! You can¡¯t help but dance. There¡¯s no time to rest. There¡¯s a siren on the mic that¡¯s making you possessed! There¡¯s nowhere to hide! Nowhere to go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! You''re not ready for me, boy. I¡¯m strange and exotic! Diabolically, chaotically, hypnotically erotic! Even if you don¡¯t wanna be dancin¡¯, well, you¡¯re forced to be, so cower to my power of seductive sonic sorcery. You know you¡¯re totally enchanted, so give in to my hex! You ain¡¯t gettin¡¯ with me, and so it¡¯s better than sex! Even the wallflowers over there, bored and listless, will be crawling to the floor, screaming out ¡±Yes, mistress!¡± You can¡¯t help but dance. There¡¯s no time to rest. There¡¯s a siren on the mic that¡¯s making you possessed! There¡¯s nowhere to hide! Nowhere to go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! Now that I¡¯ve got you, I ain¡¯t ever gonna let you go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! Sneak (Live at the Phoenix Rising Album Release Party) You say you''re not sorry that we''re lovers, babe. Why''d you hide me underneath the covers, babe? You tell me I don''t have any flaws, but then, why''s my stuff still locked up in your closet, then? You tell everybody that there''s no one here, and lock the door and touch me and it sends me to the stratosphere. I don''t understand the need for this mystique. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, don''t get caught! You don''t want anyone to know about this thing we''ve got! Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, don''t tell yet and let ''em think that it''s the temperature that makes you sweat! You act like you''ve started hearing wedding bells. Still, your friends try to hook you up with someone else. When they''re next to you, it''s like you don''t know I''m alive. The second that they look away, you push me into overdrive. I can''t help it, falling underneath your spell. You''re the best at kiss, and kiss, and never tell. We''re living in a game of hide-and-seek. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, no one knows how many nights I''ve lay here begging you to hold me close. Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, tell those lies and don''t admit the way my body leaves you hypnotized. You made me your dirty little secret, then you made me your dirty little freak again. I''m a good girl, prim and proper innocence. They don''t see your fingers creepin'' up my dress. I''ll keep quiet for you, baby, it''s okay; hold my breath so they don''t hear you take my breath away. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.The way you move my body makes me weak. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, hide your face, so no one figures out it''s you touching my special place! Speak, baby, speak, baby, you''re my dream! That''s why I''m buried in my pillow when you make me scream... You don''t seem to notice how it gets to me that you won''t let them know you''re sleeping next to me. Every heartbeat, I am under your command. What I''d give if you''d let them see you hold my hand. I''m your candy, baby, drip me off your arm. Let them talk, babe, we ain''t doing nothin'' wrong. You say you think I''m perfect and unique, but if I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Speak, baby, speak, baby, tell them please the way your whisper in my ear can put me on my knees. Speak, baby, speak, baby, say it''s true that you''re okay with people knowing I belong to you. Speak, baby, speak, baby, say you''re mine and send another little shiver up and down my spine. Speak, baby, speak, baby, say I''m yours and I don''t have to be your lover just behind closed doors. Not sure how you think we''re gonna hide this thing when I suddenly start showing off your ring. Hold me down, ''cause it''s gettin'' hard to explain all these claw marks dug into the mattress frame. I don''t think our love''s a secret anymore. I know they can hear me screaming from next door! And every time we make the headboard creak, it gets a bit more obvious we sneak! Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, lock the doors, but I''m pretty sure the word is gettin'' out I''m yours! Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, hey, we tried, but what you do to me is way too good for me to hide! I''ve done my best at playing mild and meek, but I''m tired of these teardrops on my cheek. All I want is you beside me. All you want to do is hide me. Babe, if I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Not Yours, Dont Touch (Radio Edit) Na, na-na, na! Na, na-naaa, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, naaa! Na, na-na, not yours! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-naaa, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, naaa! Na, na-na, not yours! (I guess) You think that if you follow me around then I¡¯ll give in to you. I probably should tell you straight, I¡¯m really not that into you. The way you chase me everywhere is gettin¡¯ kinda scary, so I¡¯m here to send the message to you clearly and in stereo. You must see how I look and think that I¡¯m a perfect angel ¡®cause you didn¡¯t seem concerned that when I¡¯m mad, I¡¯m really dangerous! You wanna be the guy for me? Oh man, you must be joking. If I feel your fingers on my dress again, they¡¯ll wind up broken. I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But I¡¯m gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do. Keep your fingers off of things that don¡¯t belong to you. Boy, I never really liked you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-naaa, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, naaa! Na, na-na, not yours! It¡¯s time to set the record straight and maybe I¡¯ll get through to you, ¡®cause it¡¯s painfully obvious you don¡¯t know who you¡¯re talking to. You think that you¡¯ll just show up at my club and get my kisses, but you¡¯re just the type of guy who tries to hit the floor and misses. I honestly can say I¡¯ve never met someone more lame than you. It¡¯s pretty sad when Super Mario has way more game than you! I think that you should take a beat. Examine your priorities. Go buy a bigger TV if you¡¯re trying to see more of me! I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But I¡¯m gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do. Keep your fingers off of things that don¡¯t belong to you. No, she never really liked you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! I understand your thinking, dude, you¡¯re digging my aesthetic, but your problem is, your vibe is coming off as just pathetic. Yeah, don¡¯t think that I don''t know you''re trying, boy, but you''re not able. I¡¯m too hot for you to handle. Should¡¯ve read the warning label. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.The fact you even think you¡¯re in my league is just adorable. I¡¯ve seen you at your best, and boy, your best is freaking horrible! So, think about the way you act and maybe re-evaluate. You can¡¯t get with me for a second, let alone a second date! I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But I¡¯m gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do. Keep your fingers off of things that don¡¯t belong to you. Yeah, nobody really likes you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na Na, na-na, not yours! You thought that if you spread some lies, I''d play your little scene? Well, you¡¯re in my castle now, and on this stage, all hail the queen! Hey, are you okay? You¡¯re looking like your confidence is laggin¡¯. Guess that¡¯s the price you pay when losers try to dance with Dragons! Dude, I don¡¯t know what went through your head, ¡°She¡¯s hot, I¡¯m gonna date her?¡± Boy, my RISE was meteoric. Now I¡¯ll leave you in a crater. Your lines are tired and laughable. ¡°I¡¯m burning with desire?¡± Boy, you''re talking to a Phoenix girl, and I was born in fire! I see you tryin¡¯ to sneak away. I see you mouthing curses. But you¡¯re not going anywhere. We¡¯ve still got two more verses! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! You think that this is bad, just wait, ¡®cause here¡¯s something for you to know: as soon as I get down from here, I¡¯m heading to the studio. I¡¯m gonna drop a master of this crazy bangin¡¯ track I wrote, and tell ¡®em how I came up here and crammed it down some loser¡¯s throat. And once it¡¯s on that record, no one ever will forget it. I¡¯d sign your copy for you, if you weren¡¯t too broke to get it. You could have just accepted no, and moved on to some other chick, but now? Your gravestone¡¯s gonna say, ¡°here lies that jerk that Ranko ditched.¡± I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But I¡¯m gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do, and it¡¯s time you realized I don¡¯t belong to you! No one¡¯s ever gonna like you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! I¡¯ve wasted enough time on you. I¡¯ll say this in conclusion: I think it''s probably time for you to give up this delusion. Whoever winds up next to me is gonna treat me properly, but you think just ¡®cause you¡¯re a guy, I¡¯m gonna be your property. I know you wanna notch your belt and tell the boys I dated you, but didn''t think to ask me first, so I humiliated you. I¡¯m with someone who¡¯s good for me and treats me like an equal. She told you once, now back off, boy, or I¡¯ll go write the sequel! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Dude, she¡¯s never gonna like you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! [Album Notes] Phoenix Rising

Track List

  1. Rise
  2. Fly
  3. Sneak
  4. Call Me Pandora
  5. Not Yours, Don''t Touch
  6. Nothing
  7. Freak
  8. You''re My Song
  9. Demon In Your Radio
  10. Not Yours, Don''t Touch (Radio Edit)
  11. Rise (Dance Remix)

Rise

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota, Jacob Trimble, Ken Hirata Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes Rise was the first song I''ve ever written, and it''s probably always going to have a special place in my heart. It''s a story of how I learned how to get back on my feet again after some rough times, with the help of my incredible family. I hope somehow, somewhere, it helps someone else learn to ignite when their life has turned to ashes. Thank you so much, Crash and Shin, for writing the music for this and convincing me to bring it to the stage. You guys are absolute heroes.

Fly

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes For my niece, Mioko Sando. Auntie loves you, little phoenix. Always.

Sneak

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes Sneak was written at a really rough time in my life, as I''m sure you can tell from the lyrics. I''m so blessed to say that everything worked out, and we''re not being quite as sneaky as we used to be in our relationship. I nearly didn''t put this one on the album because it was so personal, but someone really close to me convinced me that it was a great track and people needed to hear it. Thanks, AT. For this, and everything else.

Call Me Pandora

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes Like I said, Sneak was a mistake. I shouldn''t have written it the way I did, and it hurt someone I care about very much. Call Me Pandora is my wishing I could put the genie back in the bottle. I know I can''t, and maybe it''s healthier now that it''s out there and everybody''s cool with it, but I didn''t want anyone to think the things I said in Sneak are still true, or ever really were. I''m so sorry, baby.

Not Yours, Don''t Touch

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Hitomi Uyeno, Emi Kimoto, Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota, Ken Hirata, Jacob Trimble Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes This one goes out to Saburo Kimura. He hopes you never forget his name!

Nothing

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes For you, AT. For making me feel beautiful in anything, in nothing, and most importantly, in your arms. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Freak

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Jacob Trimble Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes This one''s for all the freaks like me out there, with the hopes it gives you the strength to stand up to someone in your life who makes you feel the way I did when I wrote this. Hey, old man: Fuck you forever! Signed, Hana''s daughter

You''re My Song

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Ranko Tendo Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Ranko Tendo Ranko''s Notes After all this time, AT, you''re still the song in my heart. You are my joy and my light, my north star and my shelter from the storm. I don''t know who I''d be without you, but I thank the gods every day that I''ll never have to find out.

Demon in Your Radio

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Jacob Trimble Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Hitomi Uyeno, Emi Kimoto, Shinji Yokota Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes Once you put the CD in, it was already too late! Mwahahaha! <3

Rise (Dance Mix)

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Remix: Jacob Trimble Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota, Ken Hirata, Jacob Trimble Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes Dedicated to the 1990-1991 Yusue High Fighting Lions cheerleading squad. All-Tokyo Invitational champs, baby! I couldn''t be prouder to have been a part of all we accomplished together, and you will all be lifelong friends.

Not Yours, Don''t Touch (Radio Edit)

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Remix: Jacob Trimble Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Hitomi Uyeno, Emi Kimoto, Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota, Ken Hirata, Jacob Trimble Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata

Special Thanks and Acknowledgements

Ranko wishes to thank: Crash wishes to thank: Shinji wishes to thank: Jacob wishes to thank: Ken wishes to thank: Additionally, Ranko and the Dapper Dragons wish to collectively thank: Back For More After the last time, you thought that I was done with you? Thing about it is, I¡¯m having way too damn much fun with you! Everyone relaxed, thought I was making my exit, but now I¡¯m back like a jump scare, when nobody expects it! Come on, did you really think I¡¯d walk away from my band when everything I ever wanted¡¯s in the palm of my hand? Thought I pushed it to the limit, but there¡¯s just no chance I''m gonna go another minute without making you dance! People drop from hot flashes when the Phoenix starts to sing, But baby, rising from the ashes? That¡¯s kinda my thing! Don¡¯t change the channel! Don¡¯t touch the dial! I¡¯ve decided that I¡¯m gonna stick around for a while! Don¡¯t jiggle the antenna or adjust your set. Though I¡¯m the best you¡¯ve ever seen, you ain¡¯t seen nothin¡¯ yet! Gonna make you hit the ceiling when you hit the floor. We are Ranko and the Dragons, and we¡¯re back for more! Oooh, yeah, watch your back! Oooh, yeah, babe, Ranko¡¯s back! After sneaking, after freaking, after flying and rising, that we¡¯d drop a second record shouldn¡¯t really be surprising. Should¡¯ve known that it was coming, though you didn¡¯t know when. Nobody else could do it better, so we did it again! I can¡¯t keep following directions and behaving like a lady, though. Instead you get the resurrection of the demon in your radio. You might think nothing much of me, but best not judge. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.I¡¯m still not yours, but if you¡¯re nice, I¡¯ll let ya touch. Don¡¯t change the channel! Don¡¯t touch the dial! I¡¯ve decided that I¡¯m gonna stick around for a while! Don¡¯t jiggle the antenna or adjust your set. Yeah, she¡¯s the best you¡¯ve ever seen, you ain¡¯t seen nothin¡¯ yet! Gonna make you hit the ceiling when you hit the floor. We are Ranko and the Dragons, and we¡¯re back for more! I can¡¯t be silenced and I can¡¯t be sanitized! Started in the Phoenix, and now every club¡¯s been franchised. The haters might have tried it, but there¡¯s just no stopping me taking over every dance floor like it¡¯s Monopoly. And now that I¡¯ve got everybody out of their seats, I¡¯m droppin¡¯ houses on ¡®em like the Wicked Witch of the Beats! So I hate to disappoint the folks who hoped we departed, but they¡¯d better get comfy, ¡®cause we¡¯re just getting started! Started off small, and we exploded like Chernobyl. Big in Japan, but now this band is going global! You thought I¡¯d be content to make my rent and stay home, but now I¡¯m gunnin¡¯ for London, and Paris, and Rome. People talk about ¡°Ranko? She only plays in bars.¡± Give me a rocket and I¡¯ll rock it all the way to freakin¡¯ Mars! We¡¯re inviting everyone in every club in every nation, ¡®cause if we didn¡¯t, well, it wouldn¡¯t be world domination! Don¡¯t change the channel! Don¡¯t touch the dial! I¡¯ve decided that I¡¯m gonna stick around for a while! Don¡¯t jiggle the antenna or adjust your set. Though I¡¯m the best you¡¯ve ever seen, you ain¡¯t seen nothin¡¯ yet! Gonna make you hit the ceiling when you hit the floor. We are Ranko and the Dragons, and we¡¯re back for more! So when they¡¯re linin¡¯ up around the club and record store, It¡¯s cause we¡¯re Ranko and the Dragons, and we¡¯re back for more! Ghosts I don¡¯t want this hurt I¡¯m feeling. I don¡¯t want all this regret. They say forgiveness leads to healing, but all I want is to forget. They say nightmares make you stronger if they¡¯re fought and if they¡¯re faced, but I can¡¯t fight them any longer. Why can¡¯t they just be erased? I don¡¯t want to be reminded of the life I left behind, but it¡¯s still trying to find me everywhere I go. What happens next if I don¡¯t do what it expects? What comes next if I reject it and say no? I¡¯m so tired of all these memories. I want to put down all this weight. What¡¯s the point of losing everything you love if you still carry what you hate? I just want the life I¡¯m building. All I want is to be free. What do I have to do before the past is finally through? Why won¡¯t these ghosts just let me be? I found a way to win the game. I finally found where I belong. Why do I feel all this shame? Why do the things that I¡¯ve done right feel so damned wrong? Why do I feel the need to hide all of the progress that I¡¯ve made? I think I deserve a little bit of hard-earned pride, so why am I so damned afraid? I have gone through too much pain to find a way to break these chains, If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.to try explaining all the things I¡¯ve said and done. I¡¯ve worked too hard to define a life that finally is mine, and so this time, I don¡¯t wanna have to run. I¡¯m so tired of all these memories. I want to put down all this weight. What¡¯s the point of losing everything you love if you still carry what you hate? I just want the life I¡¯m building. All I want is to be free. What do I have to do before the past is finally through? Why won¡¯t these ghosts just let me be? I¡¯ve earned the right to not be daunted by my sordid history, and I¡¯m so tired of being haunted by the girl I used to be. I long ago let go and said goodbye to everything I was before. Why won¡¯t the world just let it die? I¡¯m not that dumb kid anymore. I¡¯ve kept running from my past, but even now, it¡¯s gaining fast, and it somehow still casts its shadow on my heart. There¡¯s nothing more than I can do to bury everything I knew. Everything¡¯s brand new, so where is my fresh start? I¡¯m so tired of all these memories. I want to put down all this weight. What¡¯s the point of losing everything you love if you still carry what you hate? I just want the life I¡¯m building. All I want is to be free. What do I have to do before the past is finally through? Why won¡¯t these ghosts just let me be? I don¡¯t want sadness and anger, and I don¡¯t want sympathy. I just want to live life looking forward. Why won¡¯t these ghosts just let me be? Right Where I Wanna Be Can¡¯t afford a mega-mansion on what I make in rhyme, but my one-bedroom apartment¡¯s rent is paid on time. I don¡¯t have the latest fashions from the boutiques on Rodeo, but I¡¯m cute in anything I wear, so I think that¡¯s okay though! I might not be booking private planes to go have lunch in Paris, but I order what I want right here and never get embarrassed. Yeah, I¡¯m still workin¡¯ my ass off, tryin¡¯ hard to make that dough, but I just couldn¡¯t be prouder of the way I do it, though. Not sayin¡¯ everything is perfect, still not top of the chart, but I¡¯m proud of where I am, and it¡¯s a damn good start! I¡¯ve still got a lot of work to do. That¡¯s fine with me! I may not be where I¡¯m going, but I¡¯m right where I wanna be! I don¡¯t have a giant entourage a thousand strong, but I¡¯ve got someone I love who rocks me all night long! Guess the crowds up in America still haven¡¯t heard of me, but I¡¯m wanted, I have worth, and I have people who love me. Sure, it¡¯s true, they might not know me everywhere I go, but I¡¯m the hottest thing to hit one bar in Tokyo. You won¡¯t hear me on TV because my lyrics aren¡¯t the cleanest, but you¡¯ll always catch me Fridays spittin¡¯ fire at the Phoenix! Not sayin¡¯ everything is perfect, still not top of the chart, This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.but I¡¯m proud of where I am, and it¡¯s a damn good start! I¡¯ve still got a lot of work to do. That¡¯s fine with me! I may not be where I¡¯m going, but I¡¯m right where I wanna be! [bridge, spoken/rapped] The path that other people took to get here¡¯s the same and it don¡¯t make me wish for different, cause I¡¯m really not ashamed of it. I got up on that stage one night and people started noticing, and now I get the masses shakin¡¯ asses every time I sing. I¡¯ll probably never be so famous that Madonna¡¯s gonna bow to me, but everyone I care about is really fucking proud of me! If you¡¯d known me way back then, you¡¯d really think it was surprising that the shattered girl I was somehow got up, and I¡¯m still rising. Like a Phoenix, all my ashes sparked to life and now I¡¯m burning. Sure, I¡¯m still a work in progress. I¡¯m still young, and I¡¯m still learning. I¡¯d forgotten how to dream when I was broken and defeated. Looking back, I realize that I have everything I needed. Yeah, I¡¯m getting some momentum going, baby, what a feeling! I¡¯ve just barely left the ground, and I¡¯m still nowhere near my ceiling! Not sayin¡¯ everything is perfect, still not top of the chart, but I¡¯m proud of where I am, and it¡¯s a damn good start! I¡¯ve still got a lot of work to do. That¡¯s fine with me! I may not be where I¡¯m going, but I¡¯m right where I wanna be! All my broken pieces fit together perfectly. No, I''m still not where I¡¯m going, but I¡¯m right where I wanna be! Worthy of You When I met you, I was a mess, and it made total sense to me that you¡¯d be unimpressed. And ever since, I¡¯ve tried to grow, hoping I could find a way to be someone you¡¯d wanna know. You took my hand. I don¡¯t know why. Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever understand it, but I¡¯m damn sure gonna try. I don¡¯t know what you think you see, but I¡¯m terrified that one day, you¡¯ll find out it¡¯s not in me. So I¡¯m gonna climb every mountain. I¡¯m gonna walk on the moon. When I come back, maybe I¡¯ll feel like I deserve to be in this room. I¡¯ll become a superhero. I¡¯m gonna take to the skies. Then maybe I won¡¯t feel so weak when I see myself in your eyes. And when it all is through, and I¡¯ve done all that I can do, I¡¯m gonna be a little closer to believing that I¡¯m worthy of you. I don¡¯t think that you expect it, don¡¯t think it would do much good, But I¡¯d arm-wrestle a dragon if you asked just to prove I would. When you¡¯re with me, I feel strong, like I could challenge the gods. I had luck enough to find you, so I think I like my odds! I¡¯ll take any reckless gamble, I¡¯ll do any daring deed. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.There is nothing I won¡¯t risk to know I¡¯m everything you need! So I¡¯m gonna jump over a building, I¡¯m gonna run a million miles, if that¡¯s all it takes to feel like I¡¯ve earned just one of your smiles. I¡¯m gonna fly on up to space, I¡¯m gonna capture you a star. Then I¡¯ll wish on it, and hope it makes me half of what you are! And when it all is through, and I¡¯ve done all that I can do, I¡¯m gonna be a little closer to believing that I¡¯m worthy of you. So I¡¯m gonna wander every desert, I¡¯m gonna sail every sea. All I¡¯m searching for¡¯s a reason you¡¯d be proud to be with me. I¡¯ll explore a deep, dark jungle, search the depths of every cave. Sure, I¡¯m scared, but you fill my heart up enough to make me brave! I¡¯m gonna go on an adventure, I¡¯m gonna cast away my fears. Gonna make myself your equal if it takes a thousand years! There is so much I¡¯m reaching for. You always say that I¡¯m enough, but you deserve much more. Now our impossible romance makes me desperate not to get complacent, waste my chance. Don¡¯t ever want to leave your side, but if I screw it all up anyway, I need to know I tried! And when it all is through, and I¡¯ve done all that I can do, I¡¯m gonna be a little closer to believing that I¡¯m worthy of you. So, I promise you it¡¯s true: the only thing I wanna do is be a little closer to believing that I¡¯m worthy of you. Of you¡­ Of you¡­ Worthy of you Ring, Ring, Ring When we started out, everyone said we were delirious. No one thought we even had a chance to get this serious. Everyone who knew us thought we¡¯d call it quits pretty quick. They all thought we¡¯d both get hurt, it would be tragic. The sparks between us should have burned, but they made magic! And now, they can¡¯t believe it¡¯s looking like this thing¡¯s gonna stick. Pretty sure I know exactly how you feel. There¡¯s just one more thing I need from you to seal the deal... Gimme that ring, ring, ring! Come on, put it on my finger! That ring, ring, ring; I¡¯ll be your own personal singer I want that thing to remind me every day that I¡¯m yours! Gimme that ring, ring, ring, and I won¡¯t take it off, never! That ring, ring, ring, so they know I¡¯m yours forever! Don¡¯t want you to be the thing I¡¯m hiding from the world anymore! As we¡¯ve gotten close, we¡¯ve had our challenges without a doubt. But we¡¯ve always talked it through together, got it sorted out, forgiven and forgotten all the stupid stuff in our past. When we disagree, it¡¯s like we¡¯re taking turns at being wrong. Every time we do and work it out, we¡¯re getting twice as strong. That¡¯s the way I know this crazy thing we have¡¯s gonna last. I knew long ago my answer would be yes, but if you wanna know, my love, just ask, don¡¯t guess! Gimme that ring, ring, ring! Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!Come on, put it on my finger! That ring, ring, ring; I¡¯ll be your own personal singer I want that thing to remind me every day that I¡¯m yours! Gimme that ring, ring, ring, and I won¡¯t take it off, never! That ring, ring, ring, so they know I¡¯m yours forever! I don¡¯t wanna be the thing you¡¯re hiding from the world anymore! Everybody said that I was way too wild and crazy. Everybody said that I could never be a lady. No one thought that they could tame me, but you went and you tried. Party every night, and always making trouble at the bar, wouldn¡¯t let a soul get close, but baby, here you are! You made me a girlfriend somehow, now come make me a bride! I know this is nothing close to what we planned. I won¡¯t care at all when I look at my hand! Gimme that ring, ring, ring! Come on, put it on my finger! That ring, ring, ring; I¡¯ll be your own personal singer I want that thing to remind me every day that I¡¯m yours! Gimme that ring, ring, ring, and I won¡¯t take it off, never! That ring, ring, ring, so they know I¡¯m yours forever! Don¡¯t want us to be the thing we¡¯re hiding from the world anymore Gimme that ring, ring, ring! Tell everyone I¡¯m taken. That ring, ring, ring, so nobody¡¯s mistaken. Show me you¡¯re not fakin¡¯ when you tell me I¡¯m the girl of your dreams! Gimme that ring, ring, ring, and babe, I¡¯ll let you bask in me. Ring, ring, ring, but you gotta get to askin¡¯ me! If I don¡¯t know it¡¯s everlasting, gonna burst at the seams! Gimme that ring, ring, ring! I know that you¡¯re not gaming me. Ring, ring, ring, Come on, and get to claiming me! Ring, ring, ring! I¡¯m tired of going steady! Ring, ring, ring! Oh, baby, I¡¯m so ready! Gimme that ring! You Dont Know Me I¡¯m good at cooking. Yeah, the furikake salmon that I make is the best. Not half-bad looking, even though sometimes I need half the afternoon to get dressed. They say I look best in red, but I would rather rock a purple or a jewel-tone blue. Take the right side of the bed, because the left¡¯s where the alarm is set for you-know-who. I can have lots of fun doing simple dates like dinner and an action movie. Adored by everyone, so, where the fuck¡¯d you get off thinking you could come ¡°improve¡± me?! You don¡¯t care at all about the band I¡¯ve got, and don¡¯t like who I¡¯m kissing. So focused on the myriad of shit I¡¯m not, you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re missing! I am slowly getting even less impressed the more I learn about you. I¡¯m not remotely feeling even kinda stressed; I¡¯m doing fine without you! I can understand that you¡¯ve been at a loss. I know that you don¡¯t get me. But maybe realize that you are not my boss, ¡®cause fuck, you¡¯ve barely met me! You don¡¯t know me, so don¡¯t think that you get to judge! You can complain about me endlessly, but you¡¯re never, ever, ever gonna get me to budge! No, no! I don¡¯t know you! What makes you think that you get a say? I¡¯m gonna show you what this girl can do when I¡¯m tuning out the noise and doing it my way! Hey! My life is moving forward at the speed of sound. You¡¯re never gonna slow me! ¡®Cause you decided that you didn¡¯t want me around, and that¡¯s why you don¡¯t know me! I write curses in the words to almost every single one of my songs. The crowds love my verses, so please, stop thinking you can tell me that I¡¯m doin¡¯ it wrong? You don¡¯t approve it. I know that every time you see me up here singing, it hurts. Hate how I move it, and how my temper¡¯s even shorter on most days than my skirts! I¡¯m not a lady. You can¡¯t stand the way I spend my time out rockin¡¯ in bars, but hey, just maybe, it¡¯s where orphan girls like me go when they wanna be stars? I know that you think that I¡¯m a laughingstock, some dumb attention-seeker. I guess you haven¡¯t seen ¡®em lining up around the block to hear me blowin¡¯ out the speakers! My songs are playin¡¯ loud on every radio. They love how I design ¡®em. People waving photos at me everywhere I go, just hopin¡¯ that I¡¯ll sign ¡®em! I don''t really think I''m gonna pass your test, your dumb evaluation, but the thing is, I¡¯ve already been told I¡¯m the best by the charts in several nations! You don¡¯t know me, so don¡¯t think that you get to judge! You can bitch about it constantly, but you¡¯re never, ever, ever gonna get me to budge! No, no! I don¡¯t know you! What makes you think that you get a say? I¡¯m gonna show you what this girl can do when I¡¯m tuning out the noise and doing it my way! This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.Hey! My life is moving forward at the speed of sound. You¡¯re never gonna slow me! Yeah, you decided that you didn¡¯t want me around, and that¡¯s why you don¡¯t know me! I¡¯m athletic. Yeah, I¡¯m pretty fucking good at some obscure martial arts. It¡¯s poetic that now, instead of breakin¡¯ boards, I¡¯m up here breakin¡¯ boys¡¯ hearts. Don¡¯t do much fighting, but I¡¯ve found a better way to go deliver a strike. Crowds delighting watchin¡¯ me takin¡¯ you apart with just a wink and a mic! Yeah, I mastered dozens of techniques that I hope never to use, ¡®cause you let that bastard burn through everything that I had to lose! I know that I¡¯m not what you had hoped to find. I¡¯m not what you expected. But just ¡®cause I have been completely redefined, don¡¯t mean I need corrected! Pretty sure it¡¯s been at least eleven years since I¡¯ve even got a letter, so don¡¯t think you¡¯ll just show up and shed a couple¡¯a tears, and tell me you know better! You swear to me you really care for me, but if you did, you¡¯d know that the time I really needed you there for me was fifteen years ago, and¡­ you don¡¯t know me, so don¡¯t think that you get to judge! You can go ahead and threaten me, but you¡¯re never, ever, ever gonna get me to budge! No, no! I don¡¯t know you! What makes you think that you get a say? I¡¯m gonna show you what this girl can do when I¡¯m tuning out the noise and doing it my way! Hey! My life is moving forward at the speed of sound. You¡¯re never gonna slow me! ¡®Cause you decided that you didn¡¯t want me around, and that¡¯s why you don¡¯t know me! I¡¯m graduating. Even though I won¡¯t be at the top of my class, I¡¯m celebrating because I made it through three years of lessons kicking my ass. Yeah, my friends love me. My classmates clear a path for me when I walk down the halls. Posters of me, my face a meter high, hung up on everyone¡¯s walls. And, I¡¯m cheerleading. Yeah, and I¡¯m the first in seven years to land a quadruple twist! I keep succeeding, rackin¡¯ up all these achievements in a life that you missed! I¡¯ve got four badass sisters and an awesome mom. You¡¯ll never meet her, but her name is Hana. She built me a stage so I could drop this bomb, with lyrics sharper than your dumb katana! You thought that you could change me in a couple¡¯a days. It never really fazed me. But if you were so determined to help set my ways, you probably should have raised me! I was really hoping I could earn your backing, but on second thought, just don¡¯t bother. I think it¡¯s probably time for me to send you packing, just like I did my father! You don¡¯t know me, so don¡¯t think that you get to judge! Haven¡¯t found a thing you like in me, but you¡¯re never, ever, ever gonna get me to budge! Fuck no! I don¡¯t know you! What made you think that you got a say? You think there¡¯s a million things a girl like me can¡¯t do, but just back off, and watch me anyway! My life is moving forward riding waves of sound. I¡¯ll never let you slow me! ¡®Cause I¡¯ve decided that I really don¡¯t want you around, and that¡¯s why you won¡¯t know me! Self-Rescuing Princess Hey there, Cinderella, get your foot out of that shoe! Stop tryin¡¯ to fit in for some fella who would tell you what to do! Come on, break out of your shell, girl, and give it all you''ve got! You don''t need a magic spell to make you something that you''re not! Girl, throw down that broom and leave your room, and know that come what may, If you build it on your own, midnight can''t take it all away! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Hey there, Sleeping Beauty, there''s no time for counting sheep! You think somewhere, a man¡¯s been making plans for you while you''re asleep. If you need something to wake you up, you might find this alarming: some girls wait their whole life long, and never stumble on Prince Charming! So don¡¯t waste another minute waiting for some strapping knight! Learn to truly love yourself, and when you do, you¡¯ll be alright! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Sometimes the world can get you down, and drop your confidence to zero. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.Come on, polish off your crown, girl. You¡¯re becoming your own hero! And don''t ever let the fire in your soul begin to dim! There''s still time to take control back from those stupid Brothers Grimm! I know you want your wishes on the stars to all come true, but you have the power that it takes to make sure that they do! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Hey there, Snow White! Somewhere, there''s a mirror on the wall, and I hope one day it swears that you''re the bravest of them all! They might say you¡¯re overzealous when you¡¯re making your own way, but it¡¯s only ¡®cause they¡¯re jealous of the girl you¡¯ll be someday. So let this be your ¡°I want it¡± song, and shout it to the rafters! You have waited far too long to start your happy ever after! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Turn Me Off/Turn Me On Every single day, there¡¯s a thousand things to stress. Is dinner gonna burn? Do I look cute in this dress? Is my paycheck gonna be enough for all these bills? Sometimes all a girl wants is a second she can chill. There¡¯s too much going on, Life comes at you at speed. It¡¯s days like this I¡¯m glad you know exactly what I need. It starts with just a glance. You undress me with your eyes. It puts me in a trance. It leaves me paralyzed. Whatever I was thinking, baby, now it¡¯s gone, ¡®cause babe, you turn me off every time you turn me on¡­ I was freaking out, but suddenly, I¡¯m not. What had me so worried? Baby, I forgot! I¡¯m domesticated, babe, you got me trained. You kiss me on my neck, and it disconnects my brain. Knocks me off my feet and puts me on my knees, and all that I can do is anything you please. The slightest little touch and I am hypnotized, just focused on how much I need you between my thighs. Whatever I was thinking, baby, now it¡¯s gone, ¡®cause babe, you turn me off every time you turn me on¡­ When we¡¯re out in public ¡®cause you took me on a date, you take the opportunity to demonstrate. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!You see the waiter coming, stroke me on my cheek; by the time he brings the menus, I can¡¯t even speak. It really doesn¡¯t matter, I won¡¯t have much to say. You¡¯ll be the one deciding what I want anyway. Whisper in my ear. Remind me that I¡¯m yours. My thoughts will disappear. My knees will hit the floor. Whatever I was thinking, baby, now it¡¯s gone. ¡®Cause when you wanna turn me off, you just gotta turn me on¡­ You flash me a smile and wrap me in a hug. I¡¯m instantly shut down, just like you pulled the plug. All of me goes limp. I¡¯m putty in your hands. I don¡¯t fear a thing when I¡¯m under your command. Everything fades out ¡®til there¡¯s nothing left but bliss. I can¡¯t live without your sweet paralysis. Please don¡¯t keep me waiting, trapped here in my mind. Life is so frustrating; help me leave it behind. Whatever I was thinking, babe, I want it gone. I need you to turn me off, so please, come turn me on! One touch and there¡¯s a tremble starting in my voice. Then my mind gets disassembled ¡®til I don¡¯t have a choice. Things get sort of hazy, like I¡¯m in a dream, and I can¡¯t stop the crazy way you make me scream. I can¡¯t even walk, I¡¯m falling on the floor, but as soon as I can talk, I¡¯m gonna beg for more! I¡¯m ready and willing. Empty out my head. Take your time in filling something else instead! Whatever I was thinking, baby, now it¡¯s gone, ''cause babe, you turn me off every time you turn me on! There Are No Words There¡¯s a long white dress hanging over there. My sister¡¯s coming in five hours so she can help me do my hair. Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever felt this afraid before. It¡¯s 5:17 A.M. and I¡¯m still pacing ¡®round the floor. I don¡¯t have doubts, didn¡¯t get cold feet, I just have no clue what I¡¯m gonna say on that stage when our eyes meet. I¡¯m out of time. It¡¯s happening today. How am I supposed to concentrate when you¡¯re sleeping three steps away? There are no words, nothing I can say. I¡¯ve been staring at this notebook and this pencil here for days. I never thought it would be this tough. I¡¯ve thrown at least a hundred drafts away, ¡®cause nothing¡¯s quite enough. I¡¯ve never been this sure of anything, and yet somehow, it¡¯s still surreal... baby, there are no words big enough for how I feel. I tried old poems, looked at Shakespeare too, And I guess no one in history¡¯s ever loved like I love you. Listened to every song, learned all the famous quotes, even read the dictionary, but not a single thing came close. How could I describe, in a couple lines, the way time itself flows different when I realize you¡¯re mine? The lights go down, my heart goes fast, I could swear that I hear music, and it hasn¡¯t stopped since you asked. There are no words, nothing I can say, that could remotely start to capture how it feels when you look my way. I guess I let you down. Baby, I got it wrong, when I promised you that I could get it all out it in a song. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.I¡¯ve never been this sure of anything, and yet somehow, it¡¯s still surreal; there just are no words big enough for how I feel. I realized a long time ago that I will always need you more than I can ever let you know. Wish you could feel everything I do; too much gets lost in translation when I just say I love you. No one could ever hear it. No one could ever see. You fill all five of my senses, and it¡¯s still too much for me! Sometimes it hurts fitting it all inside. Haven¡¯t found a way to tell you yet, but I promise that I tried! There are no words, nothing I can say, knowing this was the last morning I would call you fianc¨¦. I¡¯ll barely have the time to add a couple chords, ¡®cause I¡¯ve gotta get downstairs and let the whole world know I¡¯m yours! I¡¯ve never been this sure of anything, and yet, I swear, it¡¯s still surreal... baby, there are no words big enough for how I feel! I probably should have known, back when this all begun, it was like counting to infinity, because it simply can¡¯t be done. And even if I could somehow reach the end, by then, I¡¯d love you more than I did before, and I¡¯d have to start again... There are no words. Nothing I can say, but I¡¯ll always do my best to try and tell you anyway. You deserve to know how much you¡¯ve changed my life, how impossible and magical it feels to be your wife. I¡¯ve never been this sure of anything, and yet somehow, it¡¯s still surreal... baby, there are no words big enough for how I feel. It¡¯s like living in a daydream, and I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s real. There never will be words big enough for how I feel. Once Upon a Rhyme Story opens on a cold, dark street with a girl who was frightened, hungry, broke and beat, going nowhere fast, running from her past, no one to turn to. Don¡¯t know how she managed to get that far, but somehow, she stumbled into an old dive bar. Didn¡¯t know how to change and grow, but was about to learn to. Who could imagine what the hands of fate had decided they would scribble on her blank slate? Who could see all that her destiny was just about to bring her? If you¡¯d have told her then, she¡¯d have said you¡¯re lying. She could barely crawl, couldn¡¯t imagine flying. Not naive enough to believe she could become a singer. Once upon a rhyme, not so far away, there lived a little girl who had lost her way. Her fairy tale had been an epic fail from the beginning! Her heroes taught her how to make her stand, went and put a microphone in her hand, turned the page, put her up on stage, and now she¡¯s winning! Sure, it seems just like a fantasy that fate would reach backwards for a girl like me, but now my happy ever after happens all the time! Once upon a rhyme¡­ Some time later, finally doing alright when magic came knocking one December night when someone from the past she¡¯d run from came and found her. And it came as such a big surprise that she could see eternity in those brown eyes, but knew that she¡¯d always have a need for those arms around her. Started slow, but they both wanted more. They rented an apartment on the second floor. They both grew, and as they did, they knew the way things were progressing. Barely had a yen between them to their name, but every day it felt like they had won the game. Didn¡¯t take long until that little girl¡¯s mom was asked to give her blessing¡­ Once upon a rhyme, not so far away, This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report itthere lived a little girl who had lost her way. Her fairy tale had been an epic fail from the beginning. Her heroes taught her how to make her stand. An angel came and put a ring on her left hand. She turned the page, got back up on stage, and now she¡¯s winning! Sure, it seems just like a fantasy that fate would reach backwards for a girl like me. Now my happy ever after happens all the time! Once upon a rhyme¡­ She found a dream and started giving chase, but kismet led our girl into a real dark place, and she found out that she¡¯d begun to doubt she could ever make it. Then, a friend visited that dive bar, armed with just a hug and an electric guitar. Let her scream, but promised her the dream, if she could only take it. When her faith had all but reached its end, that guitarist introduced her to his friends, and those guys wrote a song called Rise that they performed together. Who could have expected such a charmed outcome? They spray-painted her name on the front of their drum, and they decided that their crazy ride was gonna last forever! Once upon a rhyme, not so far away, there lived a little girl who had lost her way. Her fairy tale had been an epic fail from the beginning. Her heroes taught her how to make her stand. Now, that little girl is in her own rock band! She turned the page, and they¡¯re still on stage, and now she¡¯s winning! Sure, it seems just like a fantasy that fate would reach backwards for a girl like me, but now my happy ever after happens all the time! Once upon a rhyme, not so far away, our girl lives the impossible every day! Who could have guessed she¡¯d ever be so blessed with how her life was going? She¡¯s found family, friends and true romance ¨C doesn¡¯t know how she deserved the gifts she got by chance ¨C but her fresh start has filled up her heart until it¡¯s overflowing! Now, she¡¯s living out her fantasy! Don¡¯t know how it happened to a girl like me, but now my happy ever after happens all the time! Once upon a rhyme Demon in Your Radio (The Hellfire Cut) Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Look out, look out! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! She¡¯s gonna make you shout! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Beware the flow! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Turn off the radio! It¡¯s the legendary lyricist, the Phoenix rose, here to shake your body from your hair down to your toes! It starts in your ears and flows down your spine, works its way into your hips until it makes you mine! Oozes down into your heart and it infects your soul until your whole entire body starts to lose control. ¡®Cause the second you start hearing my hypnotic groove you¡¯ll forget how to think, and you can only move! Don¡¯t be shy, everyone knows you can¡¯t help but lose it when your system¡¯s overridden by the sound of music! It¡¯s not your fault, nobody can maintain their focus When they¡¯re sucked into the Dragon-style hocus-pocus! Don¡¯t know why you¡¯re surprised that you¡¯re completely transfixed and absolutely mesmerized by the track that we mixed. With Ranko on the mic, Crash strummin¡¯, Ken drummin¡¯, Shin and Jacob dropping bombs back there, you should¡¯ve seen it coming! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Beware the flow! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Turn off the radio! You can¡¯t help but dance. There¡¯s no time to rest. There¡¯s a siren on the mic that¡¯s making you possessed! There¡¯s nowhere to hide! Nowhere to go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! There¡¯s another verse coming, so I¡¯m back from hell to put your shaking butt right back under my spell. There¡¯s a slither in my rhythm, shipped in straight from Hades, heatin¡¯ all the boys up, and most of the ladies! So, don¡¯t call a doctor, don¡¯t call a priest! You¡¯re a thrall to the rhythm and can¡¯t be released! All that¡¯s left is to surrender and profess devotion as you¡¯re lyrically commanded to perpetual motion! I¡¯m a psycho on the microphone, vile and evil! With a rhythm this insidious, it¡¯s gotta be illegal! As long as you can hear me, then you¡¯re mine for the taking! Now my devilish revelry¡¯s got your skeleton shaking! Your muscles take over, your mind¡¯s deactivated as this tricksy singing pixie makes you totally captivated. Might as well give in and come to grips with your fate; once you heard the bass drop, it was already too late! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Beware the flow! Whoa-oh-oh! Uh-oh! Turn off the radio! You can¡¯t help but dance. There¡¯s no time to rest. There¡¯s a siren on the mic that¡¯s making you possessed! There¡¯s nowhere to hide! Nowhere to go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. You''re not ready for me, boy. I¡¯m strange and exotic! Diabolically, chaotically, hypnotically erotic! Even if you don¡¯t wanna be dancin¡¯, well, you¡¯re forced to be, so cower to my power of seductive sonic sorcery. You know you¡¯re totally enchanted, so give in to my hex! You ain¡¯t gettin¡¯ with me, and so it¡¯s better than sex! Even the wallflowers over there, bored and listless, will be crawling to the floor, screaming out ¡±Yes, mistress!¡± Every bop I drop¡¯s a hit, because your mistress doesn¡¯t miss. That¡¯s why my beat has moved your feet up to the edge of the abyss! All this drummin¡¯ is summonin¡¯ up my musical minions, bodies rubbin¡¯ in the club I¡¯ve made my personal dominion. The irreverent revenant revvin¡¯ up everyone hearing me. No talisman can challenge the malice of my tyranny! Bringin¡¯ the sickness with a quickness and it¡¯s spreading through the nation, infecting you with vitriolic rollicking contagion! You can¡¯t help but dance. There¡¯s no time to rest. There¡¯s a siren on the mic that¡¯s making you possessed! There¡¯s nowhere to hide! Nowhere to go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! It¡¯s the verbal infernal, burnin¡¯ you up with the compulsion that drives you to involuntary bodily convulsion. My silvery delivery is wigglin¡¯ your waistlines. I¡¯m wrecking you, injecting you with heckin¡¯ sexy bass lines! I¡¯m gonna make you dance until your limbs go limp, impelling impromptu impetus like an impudent imp! Now the masses shake their asses rockin¡¯ under my thrall - I¡¯ve got most of ¡®em already, but I¡¯m comin¡¯ for them all! I know I didn¡¯t warn ya, so I guess it wasn¡¯t fair to ya to bury you in scary tunes and lyrical hysteria. My harmonic sonic tonic¡¯s got you enraptured. With my iconic, demonic, stereophonic beat, you¡¯re captured! The commotion I¡¯m hostin¡¯s forcin¡¯ the motion of your vertebra. At least you die smiling when I musically murder ya! You know it isn¡¯t good for you, but still can¡¯t get enough of us. Surrender yourself up unto the sultry singing succubus! You can¡¯t help but dance. There¡¯s no time to rest. There¡¯s a siren on the mic that¡¯s makin¡¯ you possessed! There¡¯s nowhere to hide! Nowhere to go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! I¡¯ve got you bad already, but it¡¯s only gonna worsen, ¡®cause this final verse is just dispersed when Ranko¡¯s here in person! Now the demon¡¯s out the radio, and up here on the stage - I¡¯ve made you all my pets, and now, this dance floor is your cage! Yeah, I¡¯m downright despotic with my melodic possession when my body and my rhyme combine in hellish obsession. With the dying multiplying, you¡¯ll be crying for your mommies once deliciously malicious pitches turn you into zombies! I beat out every ghost and ghoul, laid waste to all the liches for the right to come to Earth and make you all my dancing bitches! Now I¡¯m the only oni with the tones to shake your bones, because you¡¯re mine to rock forever, and you¡¯re never going home! Abandon all hope; this flow¡¯s a slippery slope, guy. So wholly unholy, even my record label¡¯s Yokai! Tell the boys lined up outside that we¡¯re about to lock the doors. I''ll claim their souls tomorrow; I''ve already got yours! You can¡¯t help but dance. There¡¯s no time to rest. There¡¯s a siren on the mic that¡¯s making you possessed! There¡¯s nowhere to hide! Nowhere to go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! Now that I¡¯ve got you, I ain¡¯t ever gonna let you go! No escaping from the demon in your radio! Regular Girl I¡¯m just a regular, a simple, regular, a normal, regular girl¡­ I¡¯m just a regular, a simple, regular, a normal, regular girl¡­ I¡¯m just a regular girl! No need to follow me home, just ¡®cause I pay my light bill with a microphone! I¡¯m not Janet Jackson! I¡¯m not Paula Abdul! Someone like me¡¯s never gonna be that cool! So don¡¯t get upset, but I can¡¯t help but laugh whenever someone asks me for an autograph. I just don¡¯t know how to act like a celebrity! It¡¯s just way too crazy for a regular girl like me! I''m just a regular girl, Just like I was before, but now they snap my picture at the grocery store! I''m not Cyndi Lauper, and I''m not Joan Jett. I¡¯m nowhere near that famous! Well, at least, not yet! So I can''t help but blush and crinkle up my nose when people rush up to me and ask me to pose. They say they can¡¯t believe we¡¯re doing this, and I agree! It¡¯s just way too crazy for a regular girl like me! I¡¯m just a regular, a simple, regular, a normal, regular girl¡­ I''m just a regular girl! Why are they so impressed? They write whole articles about the way I¡¯m dressed! I¡¯m not Bonnie Tyler. I¡¯m not Chaka Khan. So, why do people care about what I have on? This dress was clean this morning. It¡¯s a pretty blue. They ask me who designed it, and I have no clue! Maybe I¡¯m a little underdressed for VIP? It¡¯s just way too crazy for a regular girl like me! I''m just a regular girl, and I don''t get why they would care at all about the things I have to say. I''m not Stevie Nicks, Gloria Estefan; why would they talk to me when they could have them on? Every single time that I get interviewed, I only answer their questions so I don¡¯t seem rude. Don¡¯t know why you¡¯d wanna hear my whole biography. It¡¯s just way too crazy for a regular girl like me! Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. I¡¯m just a regular, a simple, regular, a normal, regular girl¡­ I¡¯m just a regular, a simple, regular, a normal, regular girl¡­ I''m just a regular girl, and I am still surprised by how much better I look in random strangers¡¯ eyes. I''m not Tina Turner. I''m not Taylor Dayne. When people treat me like it, it still feels insane! People I''ve been friends with for my whole life long aren''t as impressed as folks get when they hear my songs. Sometimes I wish that I could be the girl they think they see, but it¡¯s just way too crazy for a regular girl like me! I''m just a regular girl, and not in all my plans could I have ever imagined I¡¯d have all these fans! I¡¯m not Annie Lennox. I¡¯m not Bonnie Raitt. Have a hard time believing that I¡¯m all that great. Sure, I always hoped one day I¡¯d be a star, but it still feels so weird when suddenly, you are! They say that I¡¯ll be almost used to it by album three; right now it¡¯s way too crazy for a regular girl like me! I¡¯m just a regular, a simple, regular, a normal, regular girl¡­ I¡¯m just a regular, a simple, regular, a normal, regular girl¡­ I''m just a regular girl, and I don''t understand why people think I''m special ¡®cause I''m in a band. I''m not Whitney Houston or Pat Benatar. I¡¯m not sure how my voice has carried me this far. So if I seem dazed with people I''ve just met, it''s ¡®cause my life¡¯s a dream, don''t wanna wake up yet! I still can¡¯t believe my name is up on that marquee! It¡¯s just way too crazy for a regular girl like me! I''m just a regular girl, but I have real big dreams, and every day, some more are coming true, it seems! I mean, I¡¯m not Madonna, and I¡¯m sure not Cher, but I am Ranko Tendo, and I¡¯m getting there! Even if I¡¯m flustered, it means everything that you take time to listen when you hear me sing. I just can¡¯t express how grateful I am that you¡¯d be so incredibly supportive of a regular girl like me! Making music with my friends for you is honestly the greatest thing that¡¯s ever happened to a regular girl like me! Witchcraft I could never find the right words to say. Every day, I would pray as I watched you walk away. Wanted to tell you the way I feel¡­ here¡¯s the deal: dreamin¡¯ we¡¯ll be together soon for real! Saw her creep up on you from behind, and it kinda blew my mind, seeing your lips intertwined. That¡¯s when I knew we could never be. Finally I could see that you didn¡¯t care for me. Vocalizing I ran when I couldn¡¯t watch anymore. Wasn¡¯t sure quite what for. I just picked a random door. I found a shop full of all these antique books. Just a look¡¯s all it took, found myself completely hooked. I found a leather book bound all in black, in a stack in the back, on the metaphysics rack And I found instructions for brewing a potion for filling the subject with total devotion¡­ And now I got that witchcraft, and I¡¯m finally gettin¡¯ through to you, through to you, with the voodoo that I brew! Witchcraft, and I¡¯m decidin¡¯ what to do with you, do with you, since my love is new to you. You never would¡¯a messed with me before I found the recipe, but now I¡¯ve got you under my spell¡­ So I¡¯ll change around your destiny, and make you wind up next to me; Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.together, we¡¯ll be hotter than hell! Just like that, you belong to me: utterly, endlessly, hopelessly in ecstasy. And now you¡¯re right beside me everywhere I go, every show, rain or snow! Not like you¡¯re gonna tell me no! Now it¡¯s your old girl that¡¯s constantly missin¡¯ you; she¡¯s the one crying, and I¡¯m the one kissing you¡­ Because I got that witchcraft, and now I¡¯m finally gettin¡¯ through to you, through to you, with the voodoo that I brew! Witchcraft, and I¡¯m decidin¡¯ what to do with you, do with you. At least a date or two with you. You never would¡¯a messed with me before I found the recipe, but now I¡¯ve got you under my spell¡­ So I¡¯ll change around your destiny and make you wind up next to me; together, babe, we¡¯re hotter than hell! Yeah, I got that witchcraft, and now I¡¯m finally gettin¡¯ through to you, through to you, with the voodoo that I brew! Witchcraft, And I¡¯ve decided what to do with you, do with you. I¡¯ll spend my whole life through with you. You never would¡¯a messed with me before I found the recipe, but now I¡¯ve got you under my spell¡­ ¡®Cause I changed around your destiny and made you wind up next to me; together, we¡¯ll be hotter than¡­ But now I¡¯ve got the recipe to make you wind up next to me || HELL! Together we¡¯ll be hotter than hell! [Album Notes] Wild Orchid

Track List

  1. Back for More
  2. Worthy of You
  3. Ring, Ring, Ring
  4. Witchcraft
  5. Self-Rescuing Princess
  6. Turn Me Off/Turn Me On
  7. Ghosts
  8. You Don''t Know Me
  9. Right Where I Wanna Be
  10. Regular Girl
  11. There Are No Words
  12. Once Upon a Rhyme

Back for More

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Jacob Trimble Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota, Jacob Trimble, Ken Hirata, Hitomi Uyeno, Emi Kimoto Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes Here we are, Firebirds! Back for another album in less than a year! We hope you love the new tracks as much as we do! It''s still way too crazy for a regular girl like me!

Worthy of You

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo, Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo, Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes For AT and Ukyo. We may not be worthy yet, but we promise, we''re trying. Crash and I love you both.

Ring, Ring, Ring

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes I''m happy to say I got what I asked for! <3 Special love to the Yusue Fighting Lions cheerleaders, who put on a hell of a show with me when we first dropped this track! Lions Pride! *rawr*

Witchcraft

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Ranko Tendo Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Saxophone: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes We had so much fun writing this one! And hey, it''s my first time helping with the music! How cool is that?!

Self-Rescuing Princess

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes This one''s a shout out to all my fellow princesses out there. Don''t let anyone else define you. You are brave, you are strong, and you are limitless. I believe in every last one of you. Being a girl is not a weakness. It''s your freakin'' superpower.

Turn Me Off/Turn Me On

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Jacob Trimble Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Hitomi Uyeno, Emi Kimoto Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes They say a lady''s not supposed to talk about what happens in the bedroom. But, I''m far from a lady, aren''t I, AT? Doesn''t matter what else I am; I''m yours.

Ghosts

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Ranko Tendo Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes I wrote Ghosts when I was going through some pretty rough shit in my life. Not gonna lie, I wasn''t really sure I was gonna come out the other side of it. But here we are, and it''s proof that no matter how dark things get - no matter how loud the ghosts in your own head scream, the sun always comes up tomorrow. You can put your past behind you, and you can pick the parts of it you choose to keep. It''s hard, and it''s slow and sometimes it hurts like hell, but you can do it, Firebirds.

You Don''t Know Me

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Shinji Yokota Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Ranko Tendo Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes I wrote this one for my birth mom. We didn''t really know each other much; she wasn''t around when I was growing up, for... reasons. Anyway, I kinda resented her for it, and I dealt with it... well, pretty much how people have come to expect from me, and You Don''t Know Me was the result. I''m so happy to say that after she heard the song, she reached out, and... we''re working on it. It''s not perfect, and our relationship doesn''t always come natural yet, but I think she''s starting to get me. Thanks for giving us a second chance, Mother. I promise, I''m gonna do my best to make you proud you did. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Right Where I Wanna Be

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Jacob Trimble Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Hitomi Uyeno, Emi Kimoto, Shinji Yokota Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes What can I say? I''m a happy girl! I''ve got the person I love, I''ve got my friends, I''ve got my music and my Firebirds. What more does a girl need?

Regular Girl

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Hitomi Uyeno, Emi Kimoto Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes For every single Firebird out there. This one''s a love letter to you. I know I''m awkward and weird as a celebrity. It''s hard to have people fawning over you when you remember what it''s like to be homeless and alone. But I promise, you guys, it''s never because I don''t love and appreciate you and the way you''ve supported my music, and, well, me. I''m just absolutely blown over by the way you''ve embraced me, and I hope I continue to meet your expectations. You rock so hard, every last one of you, and I can''t wait to see you across the world at the Wildfire Tour next year!

There Are No Words

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Guitar: Ranko Tendo, Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Ranko''s Notes For AT, the love of my life and the life of my love. If I write a thousand albums, I will never scratch the surface of telling you what you mean to me. I am a singer, a songwriter. I''ve won major awards. For most people, that would be the biggest achievement of their life, but for me? Being your wife, being the person you chose out of all the people in the world to be yours - nothing will ever make me prouder, or happier. I will die with your name on my lips, still trying to tell you the way I feel about you. And it''ll never be enough.

Once Upon a Rhyme

Lyrics: Ranko Tendo Composition: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama, Jacob Trimble Lead Vocals: Ranko Tendo Background Vocals: Hitomi Uyeno, Emi Kimoto Guitar: Noboyuki "Crash" Matsuyama Bass: Shinji Yokota Synthesizer: Jacob Trimble Drums: Ken Hirata Winner: Gold Disc Award (1991 Japan Record Awards) Winner: Lyrics Award (1991 Japan Record Awards) Ranko''s Notes The fact that I''m even writing this - I''m just awestruck by it. I am the wrong girl to be in this story. Fairy tale endings are supposed to happen to someone else, not to this rough-and-tumble tomboy and street girl that crawled half-dead into a bar looking for a job. But the gods, the fates, luck, magic, whatever you want to call it have blessed me beyond measure, and brought me people in my life who put me on their shoulders and carried me to places I could never have imagined.

Special Thanks and Acknowledgements

Ranko wishes to thank: Crash wishes to thank: Shinji wishes to thank: Jacob wishes to thank: Ken wishes to thank: Hitomi wishes to thank: Emi wishes to thank: Additionally, Ranko and the Dapper Dragons wish to collectively thank: The Wildfire Tour: Tickets and Tour Merch Available Now! Hole in the Wall Three floors full of boys in their suit coats and ties. Brass doors you gotta wait like half the night to get by. Staff tees, everyone behind the bar looks the same. Twelve TVs, so you can watch a freakin¡¯ dozen ball games. Hot pink, everything¡¯s covered in neon. Gold sink, matching toilet that¡¯s too pretty to pee on. It¡¯s all shine. The floor is covered with glitter. Sure, that¡¯s fine, if you want a dish of mints in the shitter¡­ Give me standing room only, and twenty-four tables. Give me shakin¡¯ my ass off for as long as I¡¯m able. Give me top-shelf gossip and bottom-shelf liquor, in bottles rockin¡¯ faded, worn out sell-by stickers. Give me fools all fallin¡¯ off their stools and fallin¡¯ off the wagon. Give me thirty-year-old old speakers thumpin¡¯ Ranko and the Dragons. ¡®Cause it¡¯s hard to let your hair down when the bar looks like the mall, so you¡¯ll find me raisin¡¯ hell here in my hole in the wall! Packed all night, parking lot full of shiny brand-new Ferraris. Wound so tight, it¡¯s like they¡¯re all two hours deep in shibari. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.When I drink, I wanna party with the boys who go hard, but they think they can just pick a girl and charge her to their card! I¡¯m not fond of watchin¡¯ rich guys¡¯ daughters gettin¡¯ all spastic; trust fund blondes with their purses and their noses full of plastic. It¡¯s high class. It¡¯s just the cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me. But I¡¯ll pass - who wants to party with them? Give me blacked-out front windows the haters can¡¯t see through. A dirty dance floor that you can¡¯t help but stick your feet to. Give me two working burners and an ice machine that¡¯s busted, jukebox full of oldies that were new the last time it was dusted. Give me threadbare red benches that are turning brown with age, and people makin¡¯ out within an arm¡¯s length of the stage! Rather play a little dive bar than a concert hall, so come find me up on stage here in my hole in the wall! Give me workin¡¯ guys who show up on payday to drink the hurt off, and girls a half a shot away from tearin¡¯ that tee shirt off! Give me posters on the wall for cheap American beer. Give me laminated menus ain¡¯t been changed in a year. All I need¡¯s a couple spotlights and a headset microphone. You rich kids might call it hell, but girls like me can call it home! It¡¯s a rowdy, dirty, funky, flirty free-for-all, where you¡¯ll find me and my girls here in my hole in the wall! Claws Everybody thinks we¡¯re cute and soft and pretty! Everybody wants to come and pet the kitty, but little do they know who really runs this city! You''re looking unsteady ¡®cause you just weren''t ready! Ain''t no letting up, we''re shredding up your banner to confetti! You tried to puff your chest up, but now we got you pressed up! You underestimated; I''m afraid it''s where you messed up! You don¡¯t have a shot! Might think you¡¯re gonna win, but you¡¯re certainly not! You¡¯ll be all covered in gauze, tore up all over because you weren¡¯t preppin¡¯ for the weapons at the ends of our paws! While we¡¯re rocking you, they¡¯re mocking you, in shock and awe! No use tryin¡¯ once the Lions got¡¯cha locked in their jaws¡­ Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.Mess with the cat, you get the claws! We can tell you¡¯re smitten, but your moves aren¡¯t hittin¡¯, ¡®cause you¡¯ll never have the skills it takes to kick it with a kitten! Baby, honestly, nope! But since you¡¯re holding out hope, we¡¯re gonna tease you like a feather on the end of a rope! I mean, it''s cute that you tried, but you just picked the wrong side. See, that¡¯s the thing about a lioness: she always rolls with pride! You don¡¯t have a shot! Might think you¡¯re gonna win, but you¡¯re certainly not! You¡¯ll be all covered in gauze, tore up all over because you weren¡¯t preppin¡¯ for the weapons at the ends of our paws! While we¡¯re rocking you, they¡¯re mocking you, in shock and awe! No use tryin¡¯ once the Lions got¡¯cha locked in their jaws¡­ Mess with the cat, you get the claws! Hey, Jerk! Hey, jerk! I¡¯m talking to you! I¡¯m still getting over all the shit you put me through! And still, it¡¯s totally clear: I am so much better off these days ¡®cause you¡¯re not here! At last, I feel like I¡¯m free. Dropped your dead weight from my neck and I can just be me! Can¡¯t wait to see how far I can go without your constant voice inside my head telling me no. You¡¯re done with holding me back! Wasted too much of my life on you, don¡¯t owe you jack! And that feels great. Hey, jerk, you¡¯re never gonna get the chance to watch me suffocate! You¡¯re an asshole! You¡¯re a pervert! You¡¯re a heartless creep! Tell me, what about all that I should have wanted to keep? You are violent and angry and you¡¯re always rude, and you wonder why I never even miss you, dude! Now I¡¯m happy and I¡¯m thriving, having so much fun. All I had to do was say that you and me are done. So, yeah. It¡¯s true! Hey, jerk, I¡¯m finally getting over being jerked around by you! Hey, jerk! I honestly tried looking past all of the girls that you took for a ride. Although I knew it was wrong, I bit my tongue and waited my turn while you strung them along. But now, I finally see. The only girl you never even gave a chance was me! You loved putting me down, except when showing me off got you shit all over town. I¡¯m glad I got up and split. I guess I was just the last girl to get sick of your shit. Tough luck. That¡¯s life! Hey jerk, you¡¯d best get used to it: I¡¯m somebody else¡¯s wife! You¡¯re an asshole! You¡¯re a pervert! You¡¯re a heartless creep! Tell me, what about all that I should have wanted to keep? You are violent and angry and you¡¯re always rude, and you wonder why I never even miss you, dude! Now I¡¯m happy and I¡¯m thriving, having so much fun. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.All I had to do was say that you and me are done. So, yeah. It¡¯s true! Hey, jerk, I¡¯m finally getting over being jerked around by you! Hey, jerk! There¡¯s not much to say. I mean, hell, your father never liked me anyway. I knew that we couldn¡¯t last. One of us was always gonna feel like the outcast. This thing was killing us both, so instead of shrinking in your shadow, I chose growth. I¡¯m proud of myself because the girl I am is so much stronger than the ghost I was. I made my choice. Might have damn near broke my spirit, but I found my voice. You had your turn! Hey jerk, I am the star now, and all you can do is watch me burn! You¡¯re an asshole! You¡¯re a pervert! You¡¯re a heartless creep! Tell me, what about all that I should have wanted to keep? You are violent and angry and you¡¯re always rude, and you wonder why I never even miss you, dude! Now I¡¯m happy and I¡¯m thriving, having so much fun. All I had to do was say that you and me are done. So, yeah. It¡¯s true! Hey, jerk, I¡¯m finally getting over being jerked around by you! I knew, right from the start, it was gonna hurt like hell to cut you out of my heart. I did what I had to do. Didn¡¯t like the girl I was when I was still with you. But I put my brave face on, and it gets easier for me every day that you¡¯re gone. I admit that, from time to time, I can still feel you bangin¡¯ on the back door of my mind. And, yeah, I guess that is why I wrote this song, so once and for all, I can say goodbye. The answer¡¯s no! Hey, jerk, I¡¯ve got what I want, and it¡¯s time for me to let you go! You¡¯re an asshole! You¡¯re a pervert! You¡¯re a heartless creep! Tell me, what about all that I should have wanted to keep? You are violent and angry and you¡¯re always rude, and you wonder why I never even miss you, dude! Now I¡¯m happy and I¡¯m thriving, having so much fun. All I had to do was say that you and me are done. So, yeah. It¡¯s true! Hey, jerk, I¡¯m never going back to being jerked around by you! B-O-U-N-C-E Nine o¡¯clock on Friday and they¡¯re playin¡¯ my song. I¡¯m so ready, I¡¯ve been waiting for this all week long! There¡¯s no time for talking, or sittin¡¯ round gawkin¡¯, don¡¯t wanna stop to eat! The only thing I need tonight¡¯s a rhythm and a beat! You know what I came out to do! Ya gotta shake it with me before I¡¯ll shout for you! I guess you¡¯re gonna make me spell the whole thing out for you: I¡¯ve gotta BE the one that¡¯s rockin¡¯ out the hardest in the club! OH, I¡¯m gonna go until the sun! Comes! Up! YOU know what you gotta do, and who ya gotta do it with. AN-yone can do it if you¡¯re not afraid to wiggle it! Ya SEE me on the floor givin¡¯ it all that I got, so EEE-ven if you¡¯re tired, pound your drink and take your shot! I feel the thump of the bass, and I¡¯ll be up in your face; you gotta shake it with me right where it counts, counts, counts! So, if you wanna be with me, B-O-U-N-C-E! Yeah! You need a little bit of bounce! Standin¡¯ in the corner and I¡¯m hangin¡¯ on your elbow. You¡¯re thinkin¡¯ that we¡¯re gonna skip another one, but hell no! You¡¯re gasping for air, but I just let down my hair; the night is just beginning. My dress is soaked with so much sweat, it looks like I went swimming! DJ, DJ, DJ, c¡¯mon, spin up a song! Get me back out on the dance floor where you know I belong! My date¡¯s worn out, but I¡¯m still good to shake it all night long! I¡¯ve gotta BE the one that¡¯s rockin¡¯ out the hardest in the club! OH, I¡¯m gonna go until the sun! Comes! Up! YOU know what you gotta do, and who ya gotta do it with. AN-yone can do it if you¡¯re not afraid to wiggle it! Ya SEE me on the floor givin¡¯ it all that I got, so EEE-ven if you¡¯re tired, pound your drink and take your shot! I feel the thump of the bass, and I¡¯ll be up in your face; you gotta shake it with me right where it counts, counts, counts! The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. So, if you wanna be with me, B-O-U-N-C-E! You need a little bit of bounce! The bass is thumpin¡¯, place is jumpin¡¯, no time for a slow one. The song comes on and babe, I¡¯m gone, and I¡¯m stopping for no one! Seven days¡¯ worth of pain all built up in my brain; it¡¯s time it gets released, so my head starts movin¡¯ north and south, and my ass goes west and east! I¡¯ve given you plenty of leeway. If this keeps up, I¡¯m gonna go home with the DJ, and it¡¯ll happen so damn rapidly that you¡¯ll need instant replay! I¡¯ve gotta BE the one that¡¯s rockin¡¯ out the hardest in the club! OH, we¡¯re gonna go until the sun! Comes! Up! YOU know what you gotta do, and who ya gotta do it with. AN-yone can do it if you¡¯re not afraid to wiggle it! Ya SEE me on the floor givin¡¯ it all that I got, so EEE-ven if you¡¯re tired, pound your drink and take your shot! I feel the thump of the bass, and I¡¯ll be up in your face; you gotta shake it with me right where it counts, counts, counts! So, if you wanna be with me, B-O-U-N-C-E! You need a little bit of bounce! So if you think I¡¯m slowing down, you¡¯re probably dreaming. They¡¯re gonna have to drag me off this dance floor kicking and screaming. No time for restin¡¯ our feet, ¡®cause they¡¯re still pumpin¡¯ the beat, and I love how it feels. I¡¯ve partied twice as hard as you tonight, and I did it in heels! Tonight, I¡¯m shakin¡¯ off my sorrows, so even if I¡¯m broke and have to beg and borrow, I¡¯ll be ploppin¡¯ down the cover, do it all again tomorrow! I¡¯m gonna BE the girl that¡¯s rockin¡¯ out the hardest in the club! OH, I¡¯m gonna go until the sun! Comes! Up! YOU know what you gotta do, and who ya gotta do it with. AN-yone can do it if you¡¯re not afraid to wiggle it! Ya SEE me on the floor givin¡¯ it all that I got, so EEE-ven if you¡¯re tired, pound your drink and take your shot! I feel the thump of the bass, and I¡¯ll be up in your face; you gotta shake it with me right where it counts, counts, counts! So, if you wanna be with me, B-O-U-N-C-E! You need a little bit of bounce! Self-Rescuing Princess (Find Your Voice Version) Hey there, Cinderella, get your foot out of that shoe! Stop tryin¡¯ to fit in for some fella who would tell you what to do! Come on, break out of your shell, girl, and give it all you''ve got! You don''t need a magic spell to make you something that you''re not! Girl, throw down that broom and leave your room, and know that come what may, If you build it on your own, midnight can''t take it all away! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Hey there, Sleeping Beauty, there''s no time for counting sheep! You think somewhere, a man¡¯s been making plans for you while you''re asleep. If you need something to wake you up, you might find this alarming: some girls wait their whole life long, and never stumble on Prince Charming! So don¡¯t waste another minute waiting for some strapping knight! Learn to truly love yourself, and when you do, you¡¯ll be alright! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Sometimes the world can get you down, and drop your confidence to zero. Come on, polish off your crown, girl. You¡¯re becoming your own hero! And don''t ever let the fire in your soul begin to dim! There''s still time to take control back from those stupid Brothers Grimm! I know you want your wishes on the stars to all come true, If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.but you have the power that it takes to make sure that they do! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Hey there, Snow White! Somewhere, there''s a mirror on the wall, and I hope one day it swears that you''re the bravest of them all! They might say you¡¯re overzealous when you¡¯re making your own way, but it¡¯s only ¡®cause they¡¯re jealous of the girl you¡¯ll be someday. So let this be your ¡°I want it¡± song, and shout it to the rafters! You have waited far too long to start your happy ever after! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Hey there, little mermaid! Come on, crawl out of the sea! It''s high time you figured out exactly who you''re s''posed to be! Nobody said it''s easy, fighting self-doubt and deceit, but if you wanna stand your ground, you''ve gotta find your feet! It''s scary, and it''s risky, life on unfamiliar shores. But, find your voice, and make your choice, and fucking take what''s yours! When they said once upon a time, that time is now, so chase your glory! Just pick up the pen and start again. This time, you write the story! You have always been your heroine; no damsel in distress. You are a non-compliant, strong, defiant, self-rescuing princess! Back Then I wasn¡¯t perfect. Wasn¡¯t perfect, no-oh! I wasn¡¯t perfect. Wasn¡¯t perfect, no-oh-oh-oh! Hey, I''m sorry for the way that I was back then! If I had it to do over, wouldn''t do it again. I¡¯ve lost count of the amount of hours I spent wishin¡¯ I could go back just a little, make a few better decisions. Sure, I made a few mistakes - okay, more than a few - but there''s nothing I regret more than the way I treated you. Looking back on how it happened, I don''t know what''s more surprising: that you ever took me back, or that I stopped apologizing. Back then, I really hurt you. Back then, I couldn''t see just how little I deserved you being close to me. Back then, I wasn''t perfect. Back then, I wasn''t smart. It seems like all I ever did was go and break your heart. Hey, I¡¯m sorry for the things that I said back then! Could have been a better lover and a better friend. Should have figured out way earlier that what was missing was that I couldn¡¯t ever shut up long enough to listen. I said lots of stupid stuff I really didn¡¯t mean. Wish I knew what I know now back when I was sixteen. Looking back, I really hate the way that I ignored you all those times you really needed me to be there for you. I wasn¡¯t perfect. Wasn¡¯t perfect, no-oh! I wasn¡¯t perfect, baby, wasn¡¯t perfect, no-oh-oh-oh whoa! Back then, I really hurt you. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Back then, I couldn''t see just how little I deserved you being close to me. Back then, I wasn''t perfect. Back then, I wasn''t smart. It seems like all I ever did was go and break your heart. Hey, I¡¯m sorry for the feelings I hid back then. I was way more cold and callous than I should have been. All that time, I knew I loved you but I let you doubt it and denied it when you asked until we fought about it. When they caught me making eyes, I said it wasn¡¯t true; there was no way I could be falling for someone like you. Looking back, I wish I¡¯d told the truth of how I felt. Wonder how it would have changed the hands that we were dealt. Back then, I really hurt you. Back then, I couldn''t see just how little I deserved you being close to me. Back then, I wasn''t perfect. Back then, I wasn''t smart. It seems like all I ever did was go and break your heart. Hey, I¡¯m sorry for the way I made you feel back then. I¡¯ve been treating you like crap since, gods, I don¡¯t know when. Every time that you got close to me, I got unnerved, pushed you away from me with insults you did not deserve. I was trying to deny the way I felt for you. Thought maybe I could love you less somehow if you did, too. Looking back, I don¡¯t know how we ever found romance when I never found a way to give you half a chance. I wasn¡¯t perfect. Wasn¡¯t perfect, no-oh! I wasn¡¯t perfect, baby, wasn¡¯t perfect, no-oh-oh-oh whoa! Back then, I really hurt you. Back then, I couldn''t see just how little I deserved you being close to me. Back then, I wasn''t perfect. Back then, I wasn''t smart. It seems like all I ever did was go and break your heart. Gods, I can¡¯t believe how far we¡¯ve come since way back then. Who¡¯d have guessed I¡¯d ever wind up more than your girlfriend? Who¡¯d have ever thought we had a chance to last this long? That you ever would forgive me for all I did wrong? Every day I wake up next to you, I need a minute to believe it¡¯s not a dream that the bed has you in it. Looking back, sometimes the hardest thing is that I know, If I wasn¡¯t cruel, we could have done this years ago. Back then, I was bad for you. Back then, I was flat wrong. The worst part is, I think I probably knew it all along. Back then, I wasn¡¯t perfect. Back then, I made mistakes. I swear, I¡¯ll make it up to you, don¡¯t care how long it takes. Not Yours / Dont Sneak Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! (I guess) You thought that if you followed me around, then I¡¯d give in to you. I probably should tell you straight, I¡¯m really not that into you. The way you bother me on stage is gettin¡¯ kinda scary, so I¡¯m here to send the message to you clearly and in stereo. You must see how I look and think that I¡¯m a perfect angel ¡®cause you didn¡¯t seem concerned that when I¡¯m mad, I¡¯m fucking dangerous! You wanna be the guy for me? Oh man, you must be joking! And if I feel your fingers on my ass again, they¡¯ll wind up broken! You say you''re not sorry that we''re lovers, babe. Why''d you hide me underneath the covers, babe? You tell me I don''t have any flaws, but then, why''s my stuff still locked up in your closet, then? You tell everybody that there''s no one here, and lock the door and touch me and it sends me to the stratosphere. I don''t understand the need for this mystique. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, don''t get caught! You don''t want anyone to know about this thing we''ve got! Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, don''t tell yet and let ''em think that it''s the temperature that makes you sweat! I¡¯m gonna tell you one more time, and maybe I¡¯ll get through to you, ¡®cause it¡¯s painfully obvious you don¡¯t know who you¡¯re talking to. You think that you can corner me on stage and get my kisses, but you¡¯re just the type of guy who tries to hit the floor, and misses! I honestly can say I¡¯ve never met someone more lame than you. It¡¯s pretty sad when Super Mario¡¯s got way more game than you! I think that you should take a beat. Examine your priorities. Buy tickets for tomorrow if you¡¯re trying to see more of me, ¡®cause I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But we¡¯re gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do. Keep your fingers off of things that don¡¯t belong to you. Boy, I never really liked you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! You tell me you''ve started hearing wedding bells. Still, your friends try to hook you up with someone else. When you talk to them, it''s like you don''t know I''m alive. The second that they look away, you push me into overdrive. I can''t help it, falling underneath your spell. You''re the best at kiss, and kiss, and never tell. We''re living in a game of hide-and-seek. If she¡¯s so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, no one knows how many nights I''ve lay here begging you to hold me close. Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, tell those lies Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. and don''t admit the way my body leaves you hypnotized. I understand your thinking, dude, you¡¯re digging my aesthetic, but your problem is, your vibe is coming off as just pathetic. I¡¯m too hot for you to handle. Should¡¯ve read the warning label. Forget being unsexy; what you¡¯re doing is unstable! The fact you even think you¡¯re in her league is just adorable. Yeah, dude. I¡¯ve seen you at your best, and boy, your best is fucking horrible! So, think about the way you act and maybe re-evaluate. You can¡¯t get with me for a second, let alone a second date! You made me your dirty little secret, then, you made me your dirty little freak again. I''m a good girl, prim and proper innocence. They don''t see your fingers creepin'' up my dress. I''ll keep quiet for you, baby, it''s okay; hold my breath so they don''t hear you take my breath away. The way you move my body makes me weak. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, hide your face, so no one figures out it''s you touching my special place! Speak, baby, speak, baby, you''re my dream! That''s why I''m buried in my pillow when you make me scream... You thought that you¡¯d convince me, and I''d play your little scene? Well, you¡¯re in my castle now, and on this stage, all hail the queen! Hey, are you okay? You¡¯re looking like your confidence is laggin¡¯. That''s just the price you pay when losers try to dance with Dragons! Dude, I don¡¯t know what went through your head, ¡°She¡¯s hot, I¡¯m gonna date her?¡± Boy, my RISE was meteoric. Now, I¡¯ll leave you in a crater! Your lines are tired and laughable. ¡°I¡¯m burning with desire?¡± Bitch, you¡¯re talking to a Phoenix, I was fucking born in fire! I know that you want me, boy, I understand! But we¡¯re gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do. Keep your fingers off of things that don¡¯t belong to you. Boy, I never really liked you that much! Not yours! Don¡¯t touch! You don''t seem to notice how it gets to me that you won''t let them know you''re sleeping next to me. Every heartbeat, I am under your command. What I''d give if you''d let them see you hold my hand. I''m your candy, baby, drip me off your arm. Let them talk, babe, we ain''t doing nothin'' wrong. You say you think I''m perfect and unique. If I''m so good for you, why do you sneak? Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Speak, baby, speak, baby, tell them please the way your whisper in my ear can put me on my knees. Speak, baby, speak, baby, say it''s true that you''re okay with people knowing I belong to you. ¡® Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, nuh-uh! Na, na-na, na! Na, na-na, not yours! Speak, baby, speak, baby, say you''re mine and send another little shiver up and down my spine. Speak, baby, speak, baby, say I''m yours and I don''t have to be your lover just behind closed doors. Not sure how you think we''re gonna hide this thing I¡¯m damn sure not taking off my wedding ring. Hold me down, ''cause it''s gettin'' hard to explain all these claw marks dug into the mattress frame. I can¡¯t keep our love a secret anymore. I know they can hear me screaming from next door! Yeah, every time you make the headboard creak, it gets a bit more obvious you sneak! Just saying no should be enough, no matter what the reason is I shouldn¡¯t have to prove to you I won¡¯t be yours by bein¡¯ his! So, get it through your head, because this girl is off the menu. Take your greasy hair and pervert stares and find another venue. The thought of laying next to you just makes me wanna vomit. I deserve someone who makes me come more often than a comet! It¡¯s time for you to let this go, and stop all this insanity! If I were the last girl alive, your face would end humanity! Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, you don¡¯t mind, but I¡¯m dying inside trying to deny you¡¯re mine! We know that you want her, boy. We understand! But we¡¯re gonna have to ask you, boy, to watch your hands! Sneak, baby, sneak, baby, hey, we tried, but I have to deal with this shit every day we hide! You should know by now that isn¡¯t so polite to do, And even if she could, she wouldn¡¯t wanna be with you! I''ve done my best at playing mild and meek, but the guys can¡¯t keep their eyes off my physique! All I want is you beside me. All they want¡¯s to be inside me. Do you see what I go though because we sneak? All The Things (Ive Learned From You) I am intelligent - at least, in my own way - and there''s always someone out there who cares what I have to say. I am powerful - and not just in a fight - but, it''s okay to ask for help if I don''t think I¡¯ll be alright. People respect me, and not only ''cause I sing. I know kindness costs me nothing, but to some, means everything. Though I might be a world away, as long as there''s a phone, I''ll never spend another minute thinking I''m alone. I am beautiful, and not just in my face. Though I may make mistakes, I have what it takes, and I''ll always have a place. There has to be a million things, so these are just a few of all the things¡­ all the things¡­ all the things¡­ I¡¯ve learned from you. I¡¯m not a burden. People like having me around. I won''t ever be so lost that there''s no hope of being found. I''m just a kid, and I''m still figuring out living, so when I screw up - and I know I will - I deserve to be forgiven. I''m a good person. I don''t have to feel ashamed. I never got a say in how I was raised, and probably can''t be blamed. I''m not a failure because I ran when things got grim. It was never that I¡¯m not enough, I¡¯m just too good for him! I am beautiful, and not just in my face. Though I may make mistakes, I have what it takes, and I''ll always have a place. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. I know that I am wanted, and I''m worthy of love, too, ¡®cause of the things¡­ yeah, all the things... whoa, all the things... I''ve learned from you. Love is honest. It has nothing to confess. It knows no boundaries or conditions. There''s no if, and no unless. Love is given. It''s not a thing I have to earn. And the only expectation''s that I love you in return. Love¡¯s not easy. It takes courage. It takes trust. And if someone breaks my heart too much, I can leave them in the dust. And I''ll always have a family. It''s not something I can lose. I may not have been born into it, but that means I got to choose¡­ I am beautiful, and not just in my face. Though I may make mistakes, I have what it takes, and I''ll always have a place. I finally understand so much I should have always knew: All the things¡­ all the things... whoa, all the things... I''ve learned from you. Having started out with nothing doesn¡¯t have to be a curse. My struggles made me different, but they¡¯ll never make me worse. I have people I can go to if I¡¯m ever in a jam. I am special, strong and valuable exactly as I am. I am unique, but I don¡¯t have to change myself to fit, and the only thing a girl can never, ever do is quit. There is nothing I can¡¯t do if I can only find the nerve. There is nothing that I want from life that I do not deserve. I am beautiful, and not just in my face. Though I may make mistakes, I have what it takes, and I''ll always have a place. The dreams I never dared to dream are starting to come true, thanks to the things¡­ all the things... whoa, all the things... I''ve learned from you. When people hear these words, I''m glad that they will learn them too¡­ All the things¡­ all the things¡­ Yeah, all the things... I''ve learned from you. (spoken) Mom, I need to tell you this right now, before this life is through. Thank you¡­ For all the things All the things¡­ All the things¡­ All the things¡­ All the things¡­ All the things¡­ I¡¯ve learned from you. Viper So, they want a girl that fawns over her boyfriend like some idol? They¡¯d best ask somebody else, cause on a mic, I¡¯m homicidal! The censor¡¯s crying stop, but I¡¯m impossible to box in - all the skeptics getting septic off my tantalizing toxin! Won¡¯t sit in my basket and dance to their flute, the cobra to their charmer. Try to make me follow suit, you¡¯re gonna need a suit of armor! I¡¯m not some shrinking violet; I¡¯m a warrior who sings. I mean, a snake is just a dragon pissed ¡®cause someone stole her wings! They¡¯re ¡®bout to get a demonstration of my vile verbosity. They¡¯re gonna need an amputation if they raise a hand to me! Yeah, this girl¡¯s a viper, coiled up to strike. Deadly as a sniper on a rhythm and a mic. You think I¡¯m cute and innocent, but mess with me, and then I¡¯m up here rockin¡¯ like a moccasin, injecting verbal venom. Spitting like a cobra. Crushing like a python. I¡¯m badder than an adder once the stage hands turn the lights on. They want me to be all soft and sweet and bubbly and fake. If they can¡¯t handle the snakebite, they should not fuck with the snake! My rhyme¡¯s intoxicating any way you want to look at it. There ain¡¯t no antidote for every note of it I¡¯m gonna spit. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Every single cypher is all uncontrolled and raw. I''m pretty, fun and hyper, packing venom in my jaws. They¡¯re like dang, that girl¡¯s got fangs, when I snap at ¡®em like a taipan. Who¡¯s got the slither with her? Who can bite ¡®em? Smite ¡®em? I can! A little of it gets inside you and your system is in shock! Call the ranger, ¡®cause there¡¯s danger hiding under all this rock! A sweet and sexy melody with too much poison in it, lyrics biting fast as lightning, at two hundred beats per minute! Yeah, this girl¡¯s a viper, coiled up to strike. Deadly as a sniper on a rhythm and a mic. You think I¡¯m cute and innocent, but mess with me, and then I¡¯m up here rockin¡¯ like a moccasin, injecting verbal venom. Spitting like a cobra. Crushing like a python. I¡¯m badder than an adder once the stage hands turn the lights on. They want me to be all soft and sweet and bubbly and fake. If they can¡¯t handle the snakebite, they should not fuck with the snake! So, push me if you dare. Come on and test me if you wanna, but your struggle makes me stronger, like a fucking anaconda! Yeah, if you try to challenge me, I¡¯m gonna be the victor; Squeeze the breath out of your body like a damned boa constrictor. Set to battle, bring the rattle when I start shaking my tail. Skin like butter, but I utter poison sliding down the scales. Lyrics burn you going down like they¡¯re a shot without a chaser. Moves are rotten like a cottonmouth and quicker than a racer. Sultry like some R&B and spicy like a samba - first the giggle, then the wiggle, then, too late! Here comes the mamba! Yeah, this girl¡¯s a viper, coiled up to strike. Deadly as a sniper on a rhythm and a mic. You think I¡¯m cute and innocent, but mess with me, and then I¡¯m up here rockin¡¯ like a moccasin, injecting verbal venom. Spitting like a cobra. Crushing like a python. She¡¯s badder than an adder once the stage hands turn the lights on. You want us to be soft and sweet and bubbly and fake? If you can¡¯t handle the snakebite, then DO NOT fuck with the snake! Defying Destiny Everyone tells us that the world has a plan. That for every woman out there, somewhere, there¡¯s a man. There¡¯s a path we¡¯re meant to walk, and there¡¯s a way we¡¯re meant to go, to some end we can imagine, but can never really know. But every once in a while, there¡¯s a fork in the pass, and we stop to smell a flower we found in the grass. And then, there¡¯s another, and onward we stray, chasing beauty so long we lose sight of our way. And before we know it, our fate is undone; the story rewritten before it¡¯s begun. Destiny might have had a plan for you and me, but you and I, we just had to try to stand up and say no. Destiny I¡¯m going to hold her hand and declare myself free! This time we¡¯ll make up our minds that we are going to decide where we¡¯re going to go! I¡¯m going to wipe the stars out of the sky and draw a new course, one where nothing gets between us and I get to be yours. I¡¯ll be right where I belong when you stand next to me, defying destiny! Everyone knew how the story was supposed to take place, but the plot disappeared when I first saw your face. They all thought it was crazy, what we tried to do. And yeah, maybe it was, but I¡¯m still here with you. Now we¡¯re making it up as we walk on along, hand in hand down the road, and girl, you¡¯re still my song. We¡¯re carving our path, through the brambles and weeds. Though it¡¯s not what fate wanted, it¡¯s all that I need. In the middle of nowhere, where no one can see, I¡¯m dancing in moonlight ¡®cause you¡¯re here with me! If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Destiny might have had a plan for you and me, but you and I, we just had to try to stand up and say no. Destiny I¡¯m going to hold her hand and declare myself free! This time we¡¯ll make up our minds that we are going to decide where we¡¯re going to go! I¡¯m going to wipe the stars out of the sky and draw a new course, one where nothing gets between us and I get to be yours. I¡¯ll be right where I belong when you stand next to me, defying destiny! Sometimes I lay awake at night and wonder what our story said before we tore it up and chose to draft our own instead. We¡¯re off the map of fate now, and the course we chart is ours. Between us, there¡¯s just enough magic for us to rewrite the stars! And sure, here may be dragons, but I walk on unafraid, empowered by the miracle of everything we¡¯ve made. For everybody else, the story ends, the curtain falls, but they¡¯re going to sing forever of the legend that we¡¯ve scrawled. When fantasy¡¯s facade falls down, our fairy tale still stands because we held the pen together in our trembling, coupled hands. Destiny might have had a plan for you and me, but you and I, we just had to try to stand up and say no. Destiny I¡¯m going to hold her hand for all eternity! This time we¡¯ll make up our minds that we are going to decide where we¡¯re going to go! We¡¯re going to wipe the stars out of the sky and draw a new course, one where nothing gets between us and I get to be yours. I¡¯ll be right where I belong when you stand next to me, defying destiny! The power of what we¡¯ve done¡¯s blinding and awesome, but that¡¯s what happens when you do what should not be possible Destiny might have had a plan for you and me, but you and I, we just had to try to stand up and say no. Let kismet and karma and fortune be damned I don¡¯t need them at all when you¡¯re holding my hand Destiny I¡¯m going to hold her hand and set us both free! This time we¡¯ll make up our minds that we are going to decide where we¡¯re going to go! Our future¡¯s unwritten. Our path is our own! We¡¯re hurtling fearlessly through the unknown¡­ Destiny Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re gonna challenge me! Because I¡¯ve spent so long dreaming, and finally made up my mind! Destiny, at last I¡¯ve figured out what I¡¯m supposed to be! I don¡¯t care what else happens as long as I¡¯m hers and she¡¯s mine I¡¯m going to wipe the stars out of the sky and draw a new course, one where nothing gets between us and I get to be yours. I¡¯ll be right where I belong when you stand next to me, defying destiny! So here we are, just you and me¡­ defying destiny¡­ Rise (Rankos Heartbreak Version) Alone with no place left that you call home, nobody waiting by the phone, no one to care that you''re not there, no one to defend you... Somehow, the shadow always tracks you down, ''til you''ve got one knee on the ground and the next mistake is all it''ll take for it to end you. It tries. It breaks your heart and tells you lies. Wrings angry tears out of your eyes, until the pain drives you half-insane and terror blinds you. And then, something stirs in you again. You don''t know how, you don''t know when, but a quiet voice offers you the choice to leave it all behind you. Dust off your hands, take a breath, take a stand, and admit that you might have been wrong. Your heart still remembers the smoldering embers; the fire was in you all along! [Chorus] RISE like a dragon and RISE from the agony! RISE and rekindle the flame! When life turns to ashes, you go get the matches and sear away all of the shame! Burn like a demon to earn what you''re dreamin''. The Phoenix inside never dies! You ignite, and you RISE! You might have almost given up the fight. Forgotten how to be alright. Hey, but it''s okay to not know your way when you first get going. It''s not fair that most of us don''t start off there, but everyone belongs somewhere, and the hardest part is guessing where to start, but never really knowing. The pain ends when you don''t have to make amends. When chosen family, loyal friends, all have got your back, help you stay on track, ''cause they''re all behind you. You have grown, but no one gets there on their own, and when you think that you''re alone, it''s the ones you love that are thinking of new ways to remind you. You were lonely and scared and nowhere near prepared. There were lessons you needed to learn. But now''s it''s your mission to start reignition! Your heart is just waiting to burn! RISE like a dragon and RISE from the agony! Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.RISE and rekindle the flame! When life turns to ashes, you go get the matches and sear away all of the shame! Burn like a demon to earn what you''re dreamin''. The Phoenix inside never dies! You ignite, and you RISE! No shadow can claim you. No challenge can tame you. You''re stronger than you realize. There isn''t a thing which could ever extinguish the inferno that burns in your eyes! RISE like a dragon and RISE from the agony! RISE and rekindle the flame! When life turns to ashes, you go get the matches and sear away all of the shame! Burn like a demon to earn what you''re dreamin''. The Phoenix inside never dies! You ignite, and you RISE! You''re in flight, finally thinking you''re alright, when a shadow in the night strikes from the dark; the shot hits its mark, and it knocks you sprawling. You cry, curse the gods and ask them why, as you plummet from the sky, and as you drop, you pray for the stop: crash to earth, end the falling. By chance, you take one last, wistful glance down at the place you used to dance. You close your eyes, get ready to die, accept that you''re finished. But the crowd¡¯s Shouting up at you unbowed And they¡¯re screaming that they¡¯re¡­ proud? ''Cause even the sun, in the dark night, looks done, but comes back undiminished! Your fear and your doubt almost let it go out, but the last spark still flickers within. You open your eyes and recall how to rise, and decide you can do it AGAIN! RISE like a dragon and RISE from the agony! RISE and rekindle the flame! When life turns to ashes, you go get the matches and sear away all of the shame! Burn like a demon to earn what you''re dreamin''. The Phoenix inside never dies! (Never dies!) (Never dies!) (Never dies!) (Never dies!) You ignite, and you RISE! I Am Fire You¡¯re tantalized by my blue eyes beneath these perfect lashes, but then you realize this smokey eye¡¯s a shadow made of ashes! If you wanna get with me, boy, you¡¯d better be quicker! The last boy who got close burned up before he saw the flicker! I leave ¡®em smoldering inside a flaming molten crater. The inferno inside me is a heart incinerator! My body is the match and gas, your soul a box of tinder; I recommend that you haul ass before you¡¯re turned to cinder! I am fire! I can¡¯t help but burn! I know you wanna play with me, but try, you¡¯re gonna learn! Throwing off an orange glow and making people nervous. Spreading out of all control, engulfing every surface. Hypnotizing, mesmerizing, unbound and untamed, every single obstacle consumed by wicked flame! Dancing so seductively, a flicker in the smoke. Dazzling from a distance but up close, you¡¯re gonna choke. Turn around and run before this stage becomes your pyre! This human torch is gonna scorch you¡­ I! Am! Fire! It seems you¡¯ve got more guts than brains. You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doin¡¯! When I get done, nothing remains but blackened husks and ruin! This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Ignoring all the warning signs and getting even closer, but pretty soon, you¡¯ll realize that I¡¯m about to roast ya! You can¡¯t resist the moves I¡¯ve got, a dance that¡¯s so seductive. You keep thinking I¡¯ll make you hot, forgetting I¡¯m destructive! There¡¯s not enough protective gear to keep you safe from harm, ¡®cause when I move my ass up here, it triggers five alarms! I am fire! I can¡¯t help but burn! I know you wanna play with me, but try, you¡¯re gonna learn! Throwing off an orange glow and making people nervous. Spreading out of all control, engulfing every surface. Hypnotizing, mesmerizing, unbound and untamed, every single obstacle consumed by wicked flame! Dancing so seductively, a flicker in the smoke. Dazzling from a distance but up close, you¡¯re gonna choke. Turn around and run before this stage becomes your pyre! This human torch is gonna scorch you¡­ I! Am! Fire! I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve got a shot, but boy, I¡¯m worth the pain, though. You¡¯ll only find a girl this hot deep down in a volcano! The backdraft blows you off your feet and puts you on your knees, ¡®cause now we¡¯re turnin¡¯ up the heat to three thousand degrees! I¡¯m a conflagration when you thought I was a candle. In my estimation, I¡¯m too hot for you to handle! You¡¯re wanting me to keep you warm and cozy by the fire, but can you stand the firestorm when violence meets desire? I am fire! I can¡¯t help but burn! Left a trail of ashes, and I guess now, it¡¯s your turn! So enticing and entrancing, something from a dream; making your eyes water and then turning it to steam! Casting sultry shadows all around me when I dance. You can sense the danger, but it doesn¡¯t break the trance. People can¡¯t distinguish love from fear, so don¡¯t expect it I¡¯ll never be extinguished, so you¡¯d best run for the exit Every moment that you stare, the flames are getting higher! Try approaching if you dare¡­ I! Am! Fire! Welcome to the Phoenix It was opened by a guy named Ito back on November tenth of ¡®52. That first night, the servers wore tuxedos; silly for a place they called the Bottle and Brew. They served sake and soju, cheap whiskey and a few craft beers, and the bar became the place to go to; only took about seventeen years. The old man was kind and decent, and the day that he retired, he left the building keys in the hand of the very first girl he hired¡­ Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! We¡¯ve been here for a while. We may not always make a difference but we¡¯ll always make you smile. It''s the place the locals swear by and it has been since back in the day. Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! Come on in and enjoy your stay! The place was left to Miss Hana in September of ¡®74. That first day, she smoked some marijuana and painted that firebird on the door. She wanted people to know it was somewhere to go when the times were at their worst, and she knew it always had been, cause way back when, she¡¯d been the first. Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! We''re glad you stopped on in! It''s a place where nightmares go to die and fairytales begin. We''re here for drunks who¡¯ve lost their jobs and girls who''ve lost their way. Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! Come on in and enjoy your stay! Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. They couldn¡¯t even fit a band up on that worn-out corner stage, until Mei stuck a microphone in my hand on the night I came of age. Now four or five nights every week, I¡¯m singing, sometimes strummin¡¯, First there was Rise, and then came Sneak, and the hits just keep on coming¡­ Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! We¡¯re glad you came around to watch this silly girl get to shake your world with eighteen thousand watts of sound! Come on, pull up a chair, order some hot wings to share while you watch the Dragons play! Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! Come on in and enjoy your stay! We want you to relax, so please wear casual attire. Take a load off and kick back with a shrimp pizza and a Dragonfire. We take more pride in every beer than most of those other dives, because for everyone who pours one here, these four walls saved their lives. Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! You''re just fine as you are. We''re equal parts an orphanage, a temple and a party bar. And I''m one of the lucky ones who gets to stand here and say, hey, welcome to the Phoenix! Come on in and enjoy your stay! A lot of girls over the years crawled through that double door. Both good and bad, a lot of tears have seeped into this floor. Now every booth and table is chock full of memories of times some poor girl was able to get back up off her knees¡­ Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! It''s more than meets the eyes! Here strangers become sisters bonding over sad stories and fries. It made us all a family: me, Aya, Yui, Izumi and Mei. Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! Come on in and enjoy your stay! We had a little close call in September ¡®92. We almost lost it all, but worked together, and we made it through! After forty years, Mom knew she¡¯d had enough and needed rest. That¡¯s why my sister Yui is the new proprietress! Hey, welcome to the Phoenix! We''re so glad you came! Everyone who comes here is different, but nobody leaves the same! No matter what else happens, yeah, come whatever that may: you''re welcome at the Phoenix! Come on in, and enjoy your stay! Mine I see you sneakin¡¯ ¡®round the joint, so we¡¯re all on the same page I¡¯ve got a damn good vantage point from up here on the stage! I see you over there making those eyes and talkin¡¯ smooth, thinking that you might go ahead and try to make a move I¡¯ll spare you from my laughter, offer you a course correction - you ain¡¯t gettin¡¯ what you¡¯re after, but you still might want protection! Guess you think I might ignore you trying to steal my baby¡¯s heart, but I¡¯ve never lost a fight before! I¡¯m not about to start! Thought you had a shot, but you ain¡¯t ever gonna get it! Move your ass along, or bitch, you¡¯re gonna regret it! I¡¯ve got a nasty streak in me when it comes to the fellas, And I promise you, you¡¯ll see it if you go and make me jealous! You can try until you die but you¡¯ll just never be this fine That¡¯s why the one you want The one you want The one you want That¡¯s why the one you wanna be beside is mine! I know I¡¯ve been gone too much, but now I¡¯m putting up resistance. That¡¯s not yours, so don¡¯t you touch it! Go ahead and keep your distance. Sorry, but access denied; afraid this area¡¯s restricted. Should¡¯ve asked before you tried, because I promise you, I¡¯ve licked it.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. I really think it¡¯s kinda funny, and I don¡¯t know what compels you to try and beat somebody that the gods all touch themselves to! I¡¯m turning up the heat with every single sultry kiss. Do you think you can compete against a girl who looks like this? Thought you had a shot, but you ain¡¯t ever gonna get it! Move your ass along, or bitch, you¡¯re gonna regret it! I¡¯ve got a nasty streak in me when it comes to the fellas, And I promise you, you¡¯ll see it if you go and make me jealous! You can try until you die but you¡¯ll just never be this fine That¡¯s why the one you want The one you want The one you want That¡¯s why the one you wanna be beside is mine! I think the party¡¯s over, honey, time for me to write your epitaph. When¡¯s the last time anybody ever asked you for your autograph? You might be smart, but damn it, you can¡¯t do the things that I can: takin¡¯ over half the planet with my mother fucking rock band! Yeah, when I make the speakers thump, I got, like, twenty thousand cheering. I¡¯ve been telling you for months, but yo, you must be hard of hearing! Yeah, when I¡¯m singin¡¯, when I¡¯m rappin¡¯, I¡¯m explosive ecstasy. Go ask Saburo what happens when somebody fucks with me! My sweat is turnin¡¯ into mist because my rage is gettin¡¯ hotter. You don¡¯t wanna be the one who pissed off Hana Takahashi¡¯s daughter! You wanna be a friend, that¡¯s cool; there¡¯s boundaries expected. Try to play me for a fool, you¡¯ll find yourself getting dissected! It¡¯s prob¡¯ly for the best that you give up this thing and quit. I catch you sneaking in the Viper¡¯s nest? Your throat is getting bit. So I¡¯m gonna warn you one last time; back off and let it be, or there¡¯ll be no one you can hide behind to save your ass from me! Thought you had a shot, but you ain¡¯t ever gonna get it! Move your ass along, or bitch, you¡¯re gonna regret it! I¡¯ve got a nasty streak in me when it comes to the fellas, And I promise you, you¡¯ll see it if you go and make me jealous! You can try until you die but you¡¯ll just never be this fine That¡¯s why the one you want The one you want The one you want That¡¯s why the one you wanna be beside is mine! Just This Once You were headed off to college, and we were just eighteen. You waited ¡®til you saw my mother busy with something or other, said we wouldn¡¯t be seen. I figured it was now or never. Wasn¡¯t really sure what I¡¯d even miss. But I thought, what the hell, I won¡¯t squeal, I won¡¯t tell. I mean, it''s only this one kiss¡­ It was just this once! (Just this once!) It was a one-time deal. I didn''t think I would love it, but that''s quite enough of it. Babe, we gotta be real! (Gotta be real!) I mean, I guess if I''m being honest, when the mood just snuck up on us, I''ll admit, I didn''t want it to end! Oh, but it was just this once, and we''re not doing this again! Na, na, no-no, no! (Look, I can¡¯t, alright?) Na, na, no-no, no! (It¡¯s not gonna happen!) Na, na, no-no, no! (We¡¯re just friends, okay?!) Na-na, na, na-na, na-a-a-aah! I tried to keep my distance, but I could tell you were crushing. Gave me an eyeball caress in my new pink mini dress, Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. and I just couldn''t stop blushing. (Look at her, she¡¯s blushing!) Soon as you got me alone, you put your hands on me. Must have been out of my head, because we wound up in bed¡­ The rest is history! But it was just this once! (Just this once!) It was a one time deal. I didn''t think I would love it, but that''s quite enough of it! Babe, we gotta be real. (Gotta be real!) I mean, I guess if I''m being honest, when the mood just snuck up on us, I''ll admit, I didn''t want it to end! Oh, but it was just this once, ¡®cause we''re not doing this again! Na, na, no-no, no! (I already told you!) Na, na, no-no, no! (What would my sisters say?) Na, na, no-no, no! (I didn¡¯t say I hated it, but¡­) Na-na, na, na-na, na-a-a-aah! (spoken) Look, we both know it would never work, okay? We¡¯re just too different, you and me. It¡¯s a nice idea, but¡­ oh, hell¡­ You took me out slow dancing. Brought me a long white rose. I never thought I would see you gettin¡¯ down on one knee. I never thought you''d propose! Don''t think my job will like it. I can''t afford a nice dress. My head was screaming out wait but I could not hesitate when I answered you yes! It was just this once! (Just this once!) But baby, gods, it''s been nice! Could you imagine the scandal? I don''t think I could handle going through it all twice! I mean, if I''m being on the level, that''s the thing about forever: you don''t get another one when it ends! So, baby, it was just this once, and we¡¯re not doing this again! Na, na, no-no, no! (Once wasn''t enough for you?) Na, na, no-no, no! (Gods, all the hair, and the makeup, and¡­) Na, na, no-no, no! (Thank you cards. So many thank you cards!) Na, na, no-no, no! (Another honeymoon wouldn''t suck though¡­) Na-na, na, na-na, na-a-a-aah!