Track 3 · Not Fixing, Just Listening

Two ways to Walk

Track 3 from Not Fixing, Just Listening.

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About Two ways to Walk

The emotional core of 'Two Ways to Walk' is the struggle between negativity and growth, holding space for the quiet yet profound choices we make in our daily lives. It speaks to those moments of frustration—spilling coffee, encountering traffic, or facing disappointment—where it’s easy to succumb to bitterness. The lyrics acknowledge the weight of these small moments stacking up, inviting listeners to reflect on their responses and the power of perspective.

Track 3 on Not Fixing, Just Listening. Duration: 2:59.

Intro – spoken, calm
Nobody tells you this loud.
They just hope you notice.
Every moment gives you options—
even the small ones.
Verse 1 – spoken-rap, minimal beat
You spill your coffee in the morning.
Two choices.
You curse the cup,
or you laugh and grab a towel.
Same mess.
Different day.
Someone cuts you off in traffic.
You can carry it for hours,
or let it pass in seconds.
It’s funny how long
five seconds can last
if you invite them to stay.
A late train.
A bad look.
A word that lands wrong.
None of these are big—
until you stack ‘em all day long.
Hook – soft, half-sung
Every road you walk
starts with a step you don’t notice.
You don’t choose once—
you practice your choices.
Verse 2 – reflective, grounded
You fail a test.
You miss a chance.
You hear “no” where you hoped for “yes.”
You can tell yourself,
“This always happens to me,”
or you can ask,
“What can I learn from this?”
Same facts.
Different story.
One makes you smaller.
One makes you ready.
And the scary part?
Both feel true
if you repeat ‘em long enough.
I’ve seen people rehearse bitterness
until it felt like home.
I’ve seen others trip,
get up,
and call it training.
Hook
You don’t wake up one day
stuck in a mindset.
You arrive there
one reaction at a time.
Verse 3 – fatherly, honest
The brain remembers patterns.
It likes familiar paths.
So the more you choose the dark road,
the easier it is to walk it fast.
Same with light.
Same with grace.
Same with giving doubt
a little space.
You don’t have to fake optimism.
You don’t have to ignore the pain.
Just don’t hand the steering wheel
to the worst thought in your lane.
Bridge – spoken, gentle
Seeing both sides
doesn’t mean you’re weak.
It means you’re curious
enough to pause
before you speak.
Final Hook – stripped, sincere
Every moment gives you two ways.
Neither screams your name.
But one builds a future
you’ll recognize later—
and one does the same.
Outro – spoken
Life’s not decided
by the big moments alone.
It’s shaped by the quiet choices
you make
when nobody’s watching.

What this song means

The message

The emotional core of 'Two Ways to Walk' is the struggle between negativity and growth, holding space for the quiet yet profound choices we make in our daily lives. It speaks to those moments of frustration—spilling coffee, encountering traffic, or facing disappointment—where it’s easy to succumb to bitterness. The lyrics acknowledge the weight of these small moments stacking up, inviting listeners to reflect on their responses and the power of perspective.

What the artist wants to convey

William Cloudborn communicates the importance of choice in shaping our mindset and emotional landscape. Through vivid imagery like 'the brain remembers patterns' and 'you can tell yourself, 'This always happens to me,'' he encourages listeners to recognize their patterns and the narratives they create. The intent is to foster curiosity and compassion toward oneself, urging listeners to pause and choose a narrative that serves growth rather than limitation.

How this can help in everyday life

This song serves as a gentle companion during life's everyday challenges, perfect for moments of frustration like a hard morning or a long commute. It provides a sense of clarity in the face of shame spirals or arguments, reminding listeners that they can choose how to respond to their circumstances. By embracing the idea that every moment offers two paths, it cultivates a sense of empowerment and self-compassion, helping listeners navigate their feelings with grace and honesty.