“YOU DON’T HAVE TO HOLD IT ALL” Artist: TWELVE (Vocals) Written by 12Gauge858 12Gauge858 Music [Slow-burn Alternative R&B / Cinematic Soul — warm Rhodes, dark cello, restrained electric blues guitar, heartbeat 808] INTRO 😢 [pause] No paragraph. No explanation. Just that. Babe… I know that little face means more than you feel like typing. So don’t force the words. I’m here. VERSE 1 You said everybody needed something before you finished what came first One pulling left, one calling right every direction making it worse You typed, “I’m okay… just tired.” Then disappeared a little while Came back with another message but I could feel it through the smile You always try to make it lighter so nobody worries about you But I know when your words get shorter there’s something heavier underneath too So no… You don’t have to explain the whole day Just breathe Stay here with me And give me whatever your heart don’t wanna carry. CHORUS YOUUUUU DON’T HAVE TO HOLD IT ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL… [long sustained tenor — slight rasp] Not tonight Not by yourself Give me the part that’s weighing on your chest YOUUUUU DON’T HAVE TO HOLD IT ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL… You can leave some of that weight right here with me Close your eyes Slow your mind Babe… I got this side. [background whisper] this side… I got this side… VERSE 2 Wish I could be there beside you when the whole day finally gets still Wish I could reach across that room and take your hand before another tear spills I’d pull you close without talking let your head fall where it knows No questions waiting for answers Just somewhere safe to let it go But these miles got me talking through a screen when I’d rather be touching your face So I’m learning how to love you from here without letting distance take my place Tell me nothing if nothing feels easier We can sit on this call and barely speak I don’t need conversation, babe I just need you to feel me. BREAKDOWN Babe… I understand. I’m physically not there with you. I can’t reach over and take your hand. Can’t pull you against me and tell the whole world to leave you alone for a minute. [pause] I know. But close your eyes. Just for me. [soft breath] You feel me? Not the phone. Not the speaker. Me. That place in your heart where you already know how much you mean to me… That’s where I am. So don’t let these miles tell you you’re alone. You’re not. [heartbeat] thump… Maybe I’m not somewhere your hands can touch right now… but I’m somewhere your heart can. And until I can get there… let me calm your mind from here. FINAL CHORUS YOUUUUU DON’T HAVE TO HOLD IT ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL… Let some of it fall tonight I’ll meet you where it lands You’ve been giving everybody strength now give yourself a chance YOUUUUU DON’T HAVE TO HOLD IT ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL… Distance don’t mean you’re carrying this alone If your heart can still feel mine then babe… I’m already home [choir underneath] hold it all… no… you don’t have to… Slow your breathing Close your eyes I’m still right here I got this side. OUTRO You don’t have to answer. Just rest. I’ll stay right here until your mind gets quiet. [pause] And babe… next time all you can send me is that little crying face… send it. I’ll know. [heartbeat fades] thump… thump…
