[Verse 1] The calendar keeps shouting our names We run every red light, chasing gain Coffee gone cold, phones in our hands Days blur together like shifting sand We promise tomorrow we will slow it down But tomorrow never sticks around [Pre-Chorus] Then lights hit the street, and the noise fades low We breathe like we forgot we knew how to [Chorus] Just this once a year, we lay our armor down We let the silence speak, we turn our hearts around We forgive, we feel, we finally draw near Why does it take December Just this once a year [Verse 2] Old fights soften under kitchen light Names get spoken that we avoid all night Hands reach out without a score to keep We say what we mean, we mean it deep If we can find grace in crowded rooms Why do we lose it come January gloom [Pre-Chorus] If love can lead us back home Why do we only let it lead us alone [Chorus] Just this once a year, we lay our armor down We let the silence speak, we turn our hearts around We forgive, we feel, we finally draw near Why does it take December Just this once a year [Bridge] The world does not change with the season We do Peace does not need a reason It just needs truth If one night can teach us who we are We already know the way So why do we lock it away [Breakdown] Slow your breathing Hold the moment Nothing here is breaking Nothing here is stolen [Guitar solo] [Final Chorus] Not just once a year, let the kindness stay Let mercy live in the words we say If love can shine through fear We do not need permission Not just once a year [Outro] The lights come down, the night feels clear Carry it forward More than just once a year
