[Verse 1]
Factory module dropped on site,
three cranes swing in the cold floodlight.
NuScale badge on my jacket sleeve,
said “load-follow” like you wouldn’t believe.
Hay-loo in the core so tight,
passive safety if the pumps lose fight.
Told the press it’s a “set and forget,”
I saw the heat map, I’m not there yet.

[Hook]
I’m critical… until I’m not,
full power, baby, then I pull that slot.
From first neutron to the last decay,
you can’t spin me when I walk away.
I’m critical… until I’m not,
all green bars till the rods get dropped.
Your sealed core dream’s just a ticking shot,
I’m critical… until I’m not.

[Bridge 1]
Passive cooling on a chalkboard sketch,
natural circulation won’t clear the fetch.
Decay heat tank in a single shell,
you call it safe 
 but just want to up sell. 

[Verse 2]
Microgrid hookup on a desert base,
transport cask with a lined steel face.
Barge reactor tied on the dock at night,
said “modular build” like it’s watertight.
Integrated steam gen locked in place,
thermal-hydraulic tests run in haste.
Containment module got a shiny skin,
but I’ve seen leaks where you sealed it thin.

[Hook repeat]
I’m critical… until I’m not,
full power, baby, then I pull that slot.
From first neutron to the last decay,
you can’t spin me when I walk away.
I’m critical… until I’m not,
all green bars till the rods get dropped.
Your sealed core dream’s just a ticking shot,
I’m critical… until I’m not.

[Bridge 2]
Long-cycle refuel is a pretty phrase,
when the core gas builds and the coolant strays.
Root cause buried in a slide deck spin,
call it “non-event” and you still sign in.

[Verse 3]
E-M-P test lit the switchboard red,
control link tripped and the watchdog’s dead.
Off-grid demo for the five-star brass,
SCRAM hit fast when the flow won’t pass.
You can keep your crown in the trade press shot,
I’m out the gate and I’ve burned that plot.

[Hook final]
I’m critical… until I’m not,
full power, baby, then I pull that slot.
From first neutron to the last decay,
you can’t spin me when I walk away.
I’m critical… until I’m not,
all green bars till the rods get dropped.
Your sealed core dream’s just a ticking shot,
I’m critical… until I’m not.