“When the Lights Hold Still”

[Intro] I don’t say much on the way in Just let the streetlamps blink [Verse] Your keys on the table, my coat on the chair A half-finished sentence hangs in the air We’ve been brave in small ways, day after day But the weight doesn’t lift just because we don’t pray I touch the edge of your coffee cup ring Like it’s proof we were here for a real, living thing [Pre-Chorus] And all the words I didn’t use Start lining up in my throat Not to win, not to wound Just to finally show [Chorus] Hold me where the noise can’t reach Right in the honest part of me If I shake, don’t make it wrong Stay—until the fear is gone Hold me like you mean it Like we’re not leaving this to chance [Verse] Outside, the city keeps changing its mind New rules, new voices, new reasons to grind But in this room, in this breath, in this minute I can admit what I try not to live with That I want something steady Not perfect—just ready [Build] One step—then another Don’t rush, don’t run Let it rise through my ribs Like a second sun I’ve been carrying quiet Like it’s all I’m allowed Now I’m opening up Without getting loud If you’re here, I’m here If you stay, I can stand If it breaks, let it break In the palm of your hand [Chorus] Hold me where the noise can’t reach Right in the honest part of me If I shake, don’t make it wrong Stay—until the fear is gone Hold me like you mean it Like we’re not leaving this to chance [Instrumental Break] (8 bars) [Solo Section] (lead instrument takes the chorus melody, climbs, then resolves gently) [Bridge] I don’t need saving I need returning To the part of myself That still believes in learning [Final Chorus] Hold me where the noise can’t reach Right in the honest part of me If I shake, don’t make it wrong Stay—until the fear is gone Hold me like you mean it Like we’re not leaving this to chance [Outro] When the lights hold still I breathe again