I FELT IT FIRST [Verse 1 — quietly sung, little vibrato] I liked it. Being thought of. I’ve been trying not to need that much. And there it was— I didn’t ask. For once, somebody thought to ask. I nearly let myself enjoy it. Then I wondered what to give. Why do I do that? Why can’t I leave a little kindness as it is? [Refrain — connected, tender] I felt it first. Before I found the words. Before I made it something I could get wrong. There was a moment I wasn’t watching me. I wish I’d stayed a little longer. [Verse 2 — more exposed] Sometimes I say “it’s nothing” when it isn’t. Sometimes I need a minute, and I leave. I know how that must look. I wish you knew— I can be glad and overwhelmed by you. And yes, I want to give. I do. I want to know I wanted to. [Bridge — firmer, then almost bare] I’m angry that I’m careful. I’m careful with that, too. I don’t know what I’m keeping when I keep so much from you. I want to be generous. I want something left. I don’t want to count it every time I give myself. [Brief instrumental breath] [Final refrain — warmer, without getting louder] I felt it first. Before I found the words. Before I asked a feeling to explain itself. It felt good. I can say that much. I don’t know what comes after. I felt it. I still do. [Outro — unhurried] Maybe I can leave it there. And let it still be true. [Piano resonance; no final vocal ornament]
