When the Light Changed - Woman

[Verse 1] I packed up the boxes, but left half the mess, Took the old photos and one faded dress. I whispered goodbye to the house, to the past, But part of me stayed in the garden out back. The tree we once planted still leans toward the sun, Like it’s reaching for something it never outrun. I smiled at the swing that still creaks in the rain— Funny how joy and grief dance the same. [Chorus] And I cried when the light changed, Paused at the red like the world knew my name. And I laughed when a stranger waved back at me— Like the universe said, "You’re still meant to be." It’s strange how the heart holds what slips through our hands... I’m not who I was, but I still understand. [Verse 2] I used to be brave, or maybe pretend— Wore my strength like a smile I could loan to a friend. But healing's not straight, it loops and it bends, And some of the best truths don’t come with amends. I sang through the silence, I danced through the doubt, I learned you can break without burning out. And sometimes I trip on my way to the light— But damn, I look good in this middle-aged fight. [Chorus] And I cried when the light changed, Felt every loss like a line in my name. And I laughed when I saw my old journal say, “I’ll never survive if she walks away.” (Well guess what, she did—and I still made a plan...) I’m not who I was, but I still understand. [Bridge] I forgave slow. I loved late. But I showed up. That counts as fate. [Final Chorus] And I cried when the light changed, Let go of a grudge I had locked in my brain. And I laughed at a memory that once made me break— 'Cause healing comes soft like a slice of good cake. And maybe that’s grace, or just who I am... I’m not who I was, but I still understand.