[Verse 1 — soft, close-mic, almost whispered] I came to you without a mask, Never thought that love would ask For little pieces of my soul, Just to have someone to hold. I opened doors, I made you room, Kept a light on through the gloom. And every time you needed me, I gave the best that lived in me. [Pre-Chorus — gentle build, Rhodes swells] But somewhere in the giving, I forgot what I was worth. Kept pouring out my rivers Till my own heart knew the thirst. [Chorus — fuller, still restrained] I left a piece of myself behind Every time I called it love. Gave you everything I had, Still it never was enough. I wasn't asking for the heavens, Just a hand to hold sometimes. But loving you came with a price, And the price was pieces of my life. [Instrumental — short kora flourish] [Verse 2 — warmer, a little more open] You saw the smile, you missed the strain, Called my sorrow by another name. Said everybody carries weight, Like mine could simply fade away. I never said your road was easy, Never asked you to walk mine. I only wanted you to see me Without explaining every time. [Pre-Chorus — quiet strength] And I don't need a witness To believe the tears I've cried. I can love you from a distance Without leaving me behind. [Chorus — fuller, still restrained] I left a piece of myself behind Every time I called it love. Gave you everything I had, Still it never was enough. I wasn't asking for the heavens, Just a hand to hold sometimes. But loving you came with a price, And the price was pieces of my life. [Bridge — guitar and voice only, almost whispered] I don't regret the love I gave, It was honest, it was mine. But I won't keep disappearing Just to prove it one more time. When I tell you that I love you, I mean it all the way. But loving someone with my whole heart Doesn't mean I have to stay. [Final Chorus — gospel harmonies enter, gentle lift] I'll gather pieces of myself tonight, Every one I left behind. I can love you with my whole heart And still keep a life that's mine. I wasn't asking for the heavens, Just a little peace of mind. Love shouldn't cost me who I am, Not this time. [Soft, solo voice] Not this time. [Outro — spoken or sung softly, instruments fade] I showed up without a mask, And I always will. But I won't leave myself behind Just to be loved anymore. [End]
