[Cold open: close, dry female alto] I don’t wish he was different. I just wish it was you. [Shuffled two-step groove enters; deep sub, two-note electric piano] [Verse 1: intimate, conversational] He picked a place where we could talk, Put his phone away. I didn’t have to tell a joke To make him want to stay. He asked about the scar I hide, I told him how I fell. You used to kiss that little line— You never asked me how I felt. [Pre-chorus: bass withdraws; melody rises gently] He reaches for my hand, I let him, then I know: I’m waiting for a feeling That was here two years ago. [Chorus: simple melodic shape; leave space after you] I wish it was you Pulling that chair in closer. Wish it was you Asking if I’m cold. I don’t wish he was different, He’s done nothing wrong. I just wish it was you— And I hate that I still do. [Post-chorus: bass returns; soft doubled vocal] Wish it was you. Still do. Wish it was you. [Instrumental: eight bars; electric-piano motif answers vocal fragments] [Verse 2: slightly more rhythmic] He waits until I’m safe inside, Waves beneath the light. You’d have called from down the street And asked me to come outside. Upstairs, I take one earring off, Leave the other in. His message says, “I had a lovely time.” I can’t make my thumb say it. [Pre-chorus: close voice; thin percussion] I nearly call my sister, But I know what she would say: “You finally met somebody kind. That doesn’t mean you have to stay.” [Chorus: fuller low harmonies; no belting] I wish it was you Pulling that chair in closer. Wish it was you Asking if I’m cold. I don’t wish he was different, He’s done nothing wrong. I just wish it was you— And I hate that I still do. [Bridge: drums stop; exposed voice and electric piano] I keep putting your face On things you never did. You never walked me to my door. Why do I remember it? He shouldn’t have to lose To someone I’ve made up. I write, “You’ve been so lovely, But I don’t feel enough.” [Brief silence; bass pickup] [Final chorus: clearer delivery; brighter chord extensions] I wished it was you Pulling that chair in closer. Wished it was you Asking if I’m cold. But I wanted you different, And that’s what I forgot. I wished it was you— Someone you were not. [Outro: drums fall away; dry, intimate voice] I send the message. Take the other earring off.
