[Verse 1] I folded small clothes on an empty bed Named you in my heart Not in my hands Four little faces that I only see In the corners of sleep Where they can’t take you from me [Chorus] I tried my best I swear I did They tore you away from your mother’s ribs Didn’t get a chance to brush your hair from your eyes Didn’t get to chase your first firefly I talk to the ceiling I call out your names I carry your birthdays I carry the blame I tried to be the best mom I could ever be But they ripped you away They ripped you from me [Verse 2] I keep every letter in a coffee tin Read the same three words ’til the ink wears thin Talk to your pictures like you’re in the next room Set four extra plates at the table for two [Chorus] I tried my best I swear I did They tore you away from your mother’s ribs Didn’t get a chance to wipe your tears when you cried Didn’t get to stand in the stands Full of pride I talk to the ceiling I call out your names I carry your stories I carry the shame I tried to be the best mom I could ever be But they ripped you away They ripped you from me [Bridge] One day you’ll ask “Where were you then?” I’ll hold out these hands And say “Here Again” I never stopped loving I never let go I was kept in the dark But my heart still knows [Chorus] I tried my best I swear I did They tore you away from your mother’s ribs Didn’t get a chance to raise all four of you right But I’ve kept a small candle I’ve guarded the light If you ever come knocking I’ll answer your names We’ll lay down the hurt We’ll lay down the blame I tried to be the best mom I could ever be My love is the part they could not take from me
