[Intro] I kept a spare key under every mat Learned every birthday, every coat, every cat [Verse 1] You called from the airport; I stayed on the line I missed my own dinner to make sure you were fine I carried your boxes up three flights of stairs Then went home too tired to notice who cares I knew how to listen, how to soften a room How to say, “Take your time,” while I swallowed my own I gave out my yes like a glass of cold water Now kindness feels borrowed, and I don’t feel I’m wanted [Pre-Chorus] I made a home in the hands of the leaving Kept every porch light on through the season Now when you reach for me, I flinch at the door Afraid I’ve got nothing worth asking for [Chorus] I gave my heart away by the handful Till my own hands came up bare I made myself useful to everyone Then wondered who would stay there If love is a room, I gave out the keys And slept in the hall by the wall I’m not hard to love—I’ve been pouring so long I forgot I could keep some at all [Verse 2] Your blue mug still sits by the sink at my place The chipped one you used when you slept here for days I learned all the names of the storms in your life But forgot mine was rising the same night I said, “I’m all right,” with a practiced small smile While the laundry stayed folded for more than a while I kept every promise you needed me to Then heard my own voice asking, “Who’s left for you?” [Pre-Chorus] I made a home in the hands of the leaving Kept every porch light on through the season Now when you reach for me, I flinch at the door Afraid I’ve got nothing worth asking for [Chorus] I gave my heart away by the handful Till my own hands came up bare I made myself useful to everyone Then wondered who would stay there If love is a room, I gave out the keys And slept in the hall by the wall I’m not hard to love—I’ve been pouring so long I forgot I could keep some at all [Bridge: half-time, intimate] The last train leaves at ten past nine I let it go so you could make yours on time Your coat on my shoulders, your name in my phone I can’t keep calling that proof I’m alone [Build] Maybe the cup isn’t empty forever Maybe a hand can unclench Maybe the love I kept sending outward Can find its way home again [Final Chorus] I gave my heart away by the handful But these hands are still mine to spare I can be tender and still have a doorway I can let someone meet me there If love is a room, I can keep one key And open the door when I’m sure I’m not hard to love—I was giving it all Now I’m learning to leave some for me [Outro] The blue mug stays; I don’t have to throw it away I can wash it, set it down, and make room today
