[Intro ] They say fire destroys everything. Heh. Guess they never thought about what it leaves behind. [Verse 1] Blackened streets and a cigarette glow, Another place that nobody knows. Got a coat full of rain and a mouth full of blood, Dragging old ghosts through the neighbourhood mud. Blue flame dancing at the edge of my skin, Same old war that I never could win. Got a name I buried, a face they forgot, And a heart full of things that the fire couldn't rot. [Pre-Chorus] Don't ask questions, don't get close, I'm the kind of trouble everybody knows. I don't need saving, don't need your hand, I made my peace with a world gone damned. [Chorus] Ashes don't keep you warm! And I don't need a place to stay! I've been burning since the day I was born, Let the whole damn world decay! Don't go looking underneath these scars, Don't go calling me by that name. I've got nothing left worth holding on to, Just a reason to feed the flame! [Verse 2] Broken lock and a borrowed couch, You took one look and you called me out. "You're bleeding all over my furniture." Well, sweetheart, guess I'm a permanent feature. Vanilla candle, a first-aid kit, You told me to hold still, I said, "Like hell I will." Didn't ask for pity, didn't ask for tea, Didn't ask why you kept looking at me. But you left that blanket across the chair, Like you didn't care whether I knew it was there. Didn't make a speech, didn't ask my name, Just let me sit without playing a game. [Pre-Chorus] I should've left when the storm passed by, Should've walked away, never told you why. But there's a light in the window still, And I'm standing outside against my will. [Chorus] Ashes don't keep you warm! So why am I standing in the rain? I've been burning every bridge I've crossed, Now I'm looking at yours again! Don't go searching underneath these scars, Don't go asking what I became. I've got nothing left worth holding on to... So why do I remember your name? [Instrumental – Heavy bluesy guitar solo, distant thunder] [Bridge] I know how to make the whole world hurt, Turn a pretty little promise into dirt. I know how to leave before they leave, How to laugh when there's nothing left to grieve. But you fell asleep with the hallway light on, And I stayed till the darkest hours were gone. Didn't touch your hand, didn't say a word, Just listened to you breathing... Like it mattered. [Silence – Single piano note] [Whispered, almost irritated] ...Shit. [Breakdown] Maybe some things don't deserve the flame. Maybe some people aren't all the same. Don't get excited, don't misunderstand. I'm still the bastard with blood on his hands. And if they ask why I let you live, I'll tell 'em I had better things to give. It's not redemption, it's not some sign... [Low, defiant whisper] Just one exception. Mine. [Final Chorus] Ashes don't keep you warm! But that light keeps pulling me back! I've been burning everything I touch, And there's nothing I can take back! Don't go calling me a better man, Don't pretend I've forgotten the pain. I've got a world that I still want burning... But I won't set yours aflame! [Outro] [Quiet, smoke-worn vocals] You should really change that lock. [Pause] ...And quit leaving the light on. Makes it too damn easy to find my way back.
