[Verse 1] You found a tool that cuts your work in half AI magic makes the deadlines laugh What took you eight hours now takes four But here's the trap behind that door Your manager sees the faster pace A smile spreads slowly cross their face They don't say thanks for working smart They just move the finish line apart [Chorus] It's the ratchet effect, only turns one way Yesterday's miracle is today's baseline, they say Click by click, it tightens the grip No going back from this efficiency trip Ratchet effect, stealing your gain You run twice as fast but the pressure's the same One direction, no return That's the lesson you must learn [Verse 2] Month two arrives, you're still ahead But now they expect what once filled them with dread The new pace feels normal to their eyes Your superpower in disguise becomes the standard, nothing more You're sprinting hard but keeping score at the same level as before While doing double what you swore [Chorus] It's the ratchet effect, only turns one way Yesterday's miracle is today's baseline, they say Click by click, it tightens the grip No going back from this efficiency trip Ratchet effect, stealing your gain You run twice as fast but the pressure's the same One direction, no return That's the lesson you must learn [Bridge] Where are you in this cycle now? Have the expectations changed somehow? Is there still time to make your case Before the new normal sets its pace? Speak up now or lose your chance To keep some value from this dance [Verse 3] The next AI tool comes along Promises to make you twice as strong But now you know the game they play The dividend will slip away Unless you learn to hold your ground And make your value proposition sound Before the ratchet clicks again And locks you in the same old pain [Final Chorus] It's the ratchet effect, only turns one way Yesterday's miracle is today's baseline, they say But knowledge is power, now you see The cycle before it captures thee Ratchet effect, but you're aware Time to negotiate your share One direction, that's the rule But you don't have to be the fool [Outro] Ratchet turning, expectations burning But you're learning, tables turning Speak your value, make them see Efficiency dividends should flow to thee
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