[Verse 1 – intimate folk, earnest, walking bass enters softly] Morning light through canopy, saw you swinging gracefully Silver fur and golden eyes, moving like a passing sigh (ooh-ooh-ooh…) Thought if I could catch a glance, show my best attempt at dance Puffed my chest, I set my feet, lined my shadow at your reach [breath, hopeful but careful] I lift my head, I turn just right, let the sunlight catch the size Not too fast, don’t scare you so, just let what’s natural show (ooh… ooh… let it show) [Pre-Chorus – slight lift, small chime enters, cautious optimism] For a moment you look my way, time goes thin, the leaves all sway I think maybe… maybe this time you’ll hear more than just a sign [Chorus – strings swell gently, upright bass full, doo-wop clear and warm] I honk my love into the air, (honk-honk) hoping maybe you’ll be there (ooh-ooh-ooh) I honk it soft, I honk it true, (honk-honk) every note is meant for you (ooh-ooh-ooh) But you scream and you’re gone in a breath, leaves still shaking where you left (honk-honk…) [Verse 2 – same folk groove, slightly heavier bass, doo-wop subdued] Tried again with the orangutan, thought maybe size would help me land She took one look, turned straight away, climbed higher than I climbed all day (ooh-ooh… oh no…) Met a human by the shore, clipboard, boots, binoculars Thought maybe brains were what she’d see, past what’s so obvious in me [uncomfortable pause] She blinked twice, said “oh my God”, tripped and ran, left notes behind I stood there honking at the fog, wondering what crossed her mind (ooh… oh…) [Chorus 2 – strings fuller but minor-tinged, bass heavier, backing vocals deflated] I honk my love into the air, (honk-honk) no one ever seems to care (ooh-ooh-ooh) I honk it loud, I honk it clear, (honk-honk...) but no one wants to stay and hear (ooh-ooh-ooh) They all scatter, gone too fast, echoes only honking back (honk-honk…) [Bridge – stripped down, guitar fingerpicking only, backing vocals stop] [single guitar note, let ring] Sitting on this branch alone, watching sunset through the palms Maybe I’m the problem here, Guess I'm just built all wrong [a quiet sigh] I can’t make it smaller, can’t tuck this thing away Didn’t choose the space it takes Got to carry it each day [breath, resigned but gentle] Maybe I’m not meant for finding, maybe I’m just meant to be the one who honks into the distance, hoping someone hears eventually [guitar continues, open space] [distant birds, water] [far away – a single honk] [guitar pauses] [a second honk, clearer, answering] [guitar pattern shifts, warmer, hopeful] [Verse 3 – realization, guitar hopeful, bass returns softly] I lift my head, not looking far, keep listening to where you are Through the leaves, across river bend, a sound I know… and just like mine [a distant honk, clearer now] I look up slow and there you stand, feet firm in mud, eyes understand That curve, that call, that perfect tone for the first time, I’m not alone [Pre-Finale – breath held, warmth rising] All this time I aimed too wide, trying every other side Turns out love was never wrong just speaking in a different song [Final Chorus – Full arrangement, horn section enters, strings and doo-wop return triumphant, upright bass dancing] We honk our love into the air, (HONK-HONK!) finally someone else is there (ooh-ooh-OOH!) We honk it loud, we honk it true, (HONK-HONK!) every note shouts the signal through (ooh-ooh-OOH!) No running, no turning away, she stays, she stays, she stays (HONK-HONK!) [Outro – calm return, mangrove ambience] Evening settles, water still, two shapes high on mangrove limbs No need to search, no need to roam found my sound, and brought it hom[soft shared honk, content] [fade out with water, insects, gentle guitar]
