[Verse 1] I count the yeses I gave out loud Beside the doors I wanted to kick down Your coat still hangs by the kitchen chair I said I'd be there; I said I'd care Then the room applauds and I turn to look At the name I carved in a borrowed book Tell me, when did wanting become a claim On every hand that calls my name? [Pre-Chorus] I want to be wanted, I want to be known I want my work to outlive my bones But every promise has someone's face And every road takes up its space [Chorus] Which voice gets the wheel when the roads divide? The one that says, "Be loved," the one that says, "Be alive"? The one that says, "Make something good of your time"? Or the word I gave you when the hour was kind? I won't call hunger holy, I won't call duty chains I'll choose what I can answer for and carry both their names [Verse 2] I picture a room where the work gets done A safer street, a table with room for one I want to leave more than a polished stone Some proof that the good we made was grown Still I chase the nod from a stranger's seat And measure my worth by a loud receipt You touch my sleeve; I look past your eyes As if the next bright thing could make me right [Pre-Chorus] I want to be wanted, I want to be known I want my work to outlive my bones But love is not a medal pinned on my chest And care is not the prize for doing my best [Chorus] Which voice gets the wheel when the roads divide? The one that says, "Be loved," the one that says, "Be alive"? The one that says, "Make something good of your time"? Or the word I gave you when the hour was kind? I won't call hunger holy, I won't call duty chains I'll choose what I can answer for and carry both their names [Bridge] No single self deserves the throne No vow can make a heart its own So tell the truth before you run Ask what the cost will be to someone Make room to fail, make room to mend Keep your word, or speak before it ends Let praise pass through; let love stay near And choose again when the path gets clear [Breakdown] Not every want is an order Not every promise is right Say what I need; say what I owe Then meet the morning with both in sight [Final Chorus] I take the wheel where the roads divide I can want to be loved and still choose a life I can build something good without worshipping shine I can honor the promise or redraw its line I won't call hunger holy, I won't call duty chains I'll choose what I can answer for and carry both their names [Outro] The room goes quiet; your coat's still there I put down the book and pull out a chair
