The Man Who Broke His Own

The Man Who Broke His Own Heart Verse 1 My boy says, “Dad, the guys are waiting,” I smile and tell him, “Go have fun.” Like I don’t count the hours between us, Like I don’t miss who he’s become. I try to catch him in the doorway, Steal a minute, steal a laugh, But even when he’s sitting with me, Half of him is somewhere else. And he says, “Dad, I kinda feel bad,” I say, “Don’t, buddy, you’re alright.” Then I wave until he’s gone again, And disappear into the night. Pre-Chorus I’ve gotten good at saying, “Go,” When everything in me says, “Stay.” I keep setting everybody free While I slowly fade away. Chorus I’m the man who broke his own heart, So everybody else could smile. I kept tearing myself apart, And called it loving all the while. I said, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” While something in me fell apart. I gave the world the best of mine— I’m the man who broke his own heart. Verse 2 I do it with the woman I love, Make room for everything she needs. I bury every disappointment, Water everybody else’s dreams. I do it at the job each morning, Take the weight and take the blame. I make sure everybody’s heard, Then wonder why nobody says my name. I’m always asking, “Are you okay?” I know the answer by their face. But no one seems to notice when I’m barely holding up the place. Pre-Chorus I’ve mastered being understanding, I’ve learned to never need too much. But sometimes strong is just a man Who’s starving for a little love. Chorus I’m the man who broke his own heart, So everybody else could smile. I kept tearing myself apart, And called it loving all the while. I said, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” While something in me fell apart. I gave the world the best of mine— I’m the man who broke his own heart. Bridge I don’t want to hold him back, I just wish he wanted to stay. I don’t need to be his whole world, I just want a piece of his day. I don’t want her to feel guilty, I don’t want anyone to change. I just want somebody, someday, To choose me the same way. To look at all the plans they made, And say, “They can wait tonight.” To see me standing in the dark And turn around and hold me tight. Breakdown Because I’m tired of being easy. I’m tired of being strong. I’m tired of making everyone feel Like leaving me is never wrong. Final Chorus I’m the man who broke his own heart, So everybody else could fly. I kept handing out the best of me And kept the lonely part inside. I said, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” So many times it became my part. But who takes care of the man Who broke his own heart? Yeah, who comes back for the man Who always lets them go? Who puts him first for once And makes damn sure he knows? I gave the world the best of mine, Every breath and every part. Now I’m standing in the pieces— The man who broke his own heart. Outro My boy says, “Dad, the guys are waiting.” I smile and tell him, “Go have fun.” Then I close the door behind him And miss him before he’s gone.