Pager Psalm from Steady Breath by Rhymedics

A restless pulse sets the scene, where the familiar glow of campus maples lights a solitary path and a pager’s sharp declaration shatters the quiet of a midnight run. The narrative follows that immediate rush, a stark, personal negotiation with doubt as zipper teeth seem to chatter alongside an accelerating heart. Here, the recurring lyrical theme of the CPR count isn't just a rhythm; it's a grounding force, an earned mantra becoming more resonant with each iteration. Musically, the tension builds precisely—syncopated hi-hats ticking like an internal clock and a bassline that tightens its grip, mirroring the struggle to maintain focus, only to release into a brief, almost sacred organ swell. This dynamic shift demonstrates a growth in the artist's sound, pushing the emotional arc with meticulous arrangement. The familiar tapping of viola col legno, like knuckles on a dorm desk, and the faint hum of a vending machine woven into the background, connect the abstract urgency to concrete geographical touchpoints, making the pressure palpable. It’s a raw confession laid over a precise, evolving musical bed, embodying the personal connection to the work, where the act of counting compressions transforms into a desperate, vital prayer. The track’s inventive AABA structure, culminating in a double-tempo chorus that reinforces "we’re not alone," reveals a deliberate artistic choice, transforming personal anxiety into a shared, undeniable rhythm for anyone grappling with holding the line.

We pour life into every word, every note. Raw honesty meets a tender sound. For the ones needing a voice.