(Verse 1) Cracks in the sidewalk still know my name That corner store still smells the same A dent in the fence where we used to race I swear I still hear your laugh in that place Mom’s old porch light still flickers at night Dad’s old car still parked just right But the rooms got quiet, and the years got loud And I don’t know where we are now (Pre-Chorus) Some things stay, some just fade But all of it built me, in some kind of way (Chorus – emotional, simple) I need this town Not to hold me down But to remind me who I’ve been When the world spins I see us then Back when the world felt small And we thought we had it all I need this town Even if I can’t stay around (Verse 2 Hook) shop closed last spring The bar don’t mean a thing But I still drive slow past the schoolyard gate Like I’m chasing a ghost I can’t replace Cup got thrown I took the blame No more pain Got a suitcase full of plans and fear But I carry your names when I disappear It’s not goodbye, it’s something else Like finding a new way to be myself (Pre-Chorus) I’m not stuck, I’m not free But this town still walks inside of me (Chorus - repeat, more lifted) I need this town Not to hold me down But to remind me who I’ve been When the world spins I see us then Back when the world felt small And we thought we had it all I need this town Even if I can’t stay around (Bridge – stripped, raw) Every street’s got a name that feels like home But the road calls louder when you’re grown Still, I hope when I’m miles away That part of me never fades (Final Chorus – soft, almost whispered) I need this town Not to hold me down But to remind me who I’ve been When the world spins I see us then… I need this town
