Negotiations with Myself (alternate version)

[Intro: Three voices]
(I want it)
(I understand)
(I can decide)

[Verse 1]
I've been fighting every instinct
Like an enemy within
Trying to divide the virtues
From the appetites they live in

But my hunger knows excitement
And my fear can recognize
When a promise needs attention
Or a beautiful idea needs time

[Pre-Chorus: Three rhythms converge]
The feeling gets a hearing
The decision still is mine

[Chorus: Interlocking melodic syncopation]
We can want without obeying
We can give without erasing
Every part of who we are
To become what we imagine
I can pause and still be passionate
I can choose and still be free
I don't have to kill the wanting
To decide what's best for me

[Verse 2]
Kindness needs a little courage
Pleasure needs a little care
Love requires more than feeling
And my life deserves my share

[Bridge: Voices trade phrases]
(But I want it)
Yes, I know
(But I need it)
Maybe so
(But we're different)
That's all right
We can disagree tonight

[Final Chorus: Rich harmonic resolution]
We can want without obeying
We can give without erasing
I can keep my contradictions
And take care with my decisions

[Outro: Bass and piano in counterpoint]
I hear you
I hear you
I decide