For seventeen years I tried so hard To find a place where I belonged. I thought that loving all you loved Was part of making our marriage strong. I gave my heart, I gave my time, And hoped someday they'd see That loving you meant loving them— That's who I was committed to be. But somewhere in the trying, I carried more than I could see. I thought I had to win their hearts To be the wife I hoped to be. And all the while, you held my hand, You loved me just the same. You never made me earn your heart, Or prove I deserved your name. I've been home the whole time, Right here by your side. While I searched for their acceptance, You were already loving me with pride. I was looking for belonging, Yet your love was always true. Thank you for the home I've found In eighteen years with you. Oh, my love, I finally see— I've been home the whole time. You never asked me to be smaller, Never asked me to pretend. You loved the woman that I was, My husband and my friend. Through every disappointment, Through the laughter and the tears, You gave me what I longed for— Your love through all these years. And now I see our marriage Was never theirs to give or take. Not theirs to measure or approve, Or a bond that they could break. We built a life of happiness, With more love than I ever knew. And I don't need their blessing To spend my whole life loving you. I've been home the whole time, Right here by your side. While I searched for their acceptance, You were already loving me with pride. I was looking for belonging, Yet your love was always true. Thank you for the home I've found In eighteen years with you. Oh, my love, I finally see— I don't regret loving them, I don't regret the years. But I can lay that burden down, And leave behind the tears. I thought I had to bring us all Together, heart to heart. But you and I were never weak— Our love was strong right from the start I've been home the whole time, And now I understand. I never needed anyone else To tell me where I stand. For eighteen beautiful years, You've loved me just as I am. I never had to prove my love— You knew my heart firsthand I've been home the whole time, And there's nowhere else I'd rather be. Because the home I always wanted Is the love you've always given me. I spent so long trying to belong, And now I finally see... I was already home, my love, Every time you looked at me. I've Been Home the Whole Time! Yes! With you I've Been Home the Whole Time!
