I still see you… when I close my eyes. Neon spills like perfume on the boulevard, Your shadow’s in the chrome, in the after-dark. I swear I left you back in the crowd somewhere, But you follow me home like smoke in my hair. A thousand faces, and I’m still alone, Applause like weather on my skin and bones. I take the makeup off, I take the night apart— And there you are again, behind my heart. If I turn away, it doesn’t go, If I look too long, it starts to glow. Like a flash that burned through the room— A shape I can’t unsee. You’re my afterimage, The light that won’t leave my eyes. You’re my afterimage, A ghost in a pretty disguise. I’m dancing in the blackout, But you’re still on my skin— No matter where the night ends, You’re the echo I’m in. Hotel ceiling spinning slow like a planet, I trace your name in air and can’t delete it. I practiced being fine till it sounded real, But the quiet makes room for what I feel. There’s a version of me I can’t rewind, A little too honest, a little behind. If I say it out loud, it might collapse— So I swallow the truth and I hold my breath. If I blink, you’re still there, Like glitter stuck in my stare. Like the song when the speakers die— Still ringing in my chest. You’re my afterimage, The light that won’t leave my eyes. You’re my afterimage, A ghost in a pretty disguise. I’m dancing in the blackout, But you’re still on my skin— No matter where the night ends, You’re the echo I’m in. (“Don’t go… don’t fade…”) Take the stage lights, take the glitter, Take the name I made to live in. When the crowd goes quiet, I’m smaller— And I hate how much I miss it. (“I miss you… I miss me…”) I don’t know who I’m chasing— You, or the idea that I’m safe. But every time I try to let go, I see you in the shape of the day. You’re my afterimage, The light that won’t leave my eyes. You’re my afterimage, A truth in a perfect disguise. I’m dancing in the blackout, But you’re still on my skin— No matter where the night ends, You’re the echo I’m in. (“In… in… in…”) I still see you… when I close my eyes.
