Promises

[Intro – Male spoken-sung, soft fingerpicked acoustic, natural ambient sounds] Been a long time But I never stopped comin’ Just waited ‘til I had somethin’ to show you [Verse 1 – Male sung-spoken, slow tempo, warm but heavy tone] I cleaned the stone like I always do Knees in the grass, talkin’ low to you It’s been years since that night you slipped away Since our son’s heartbeat faded the same day But I made it out — barely, but true Got a ring now, a home, and someone who Didn’t fix me — I’d already begun But she stood by me while I learned how to run And I still carry you every step of the way [Verse 2 – Male sung-spoken, gently swelling, reflective tone] It’s the same day — same cold in the air Same date I lost you both right then and there I don’t cry much now — but I did this mornin’ Wrote your name in the fog without warnin’ Drove out here before the sun came up With your favorite flowers and a paper cup Sat between your names, one stone, two lives Told you how I’ve been learnin’ to rise [Pre-Chorus – Male melodic-spoken, soft gospel hum under vocals] You told me once there was more in me Said, “Even the broken can plant good seed” I didn’t believe you — not back then But I held your words ‘til I could stand again [Chorus – Male sung, heartfelt and strong, with light harmony underneath] These promises — they kept me alive When grief pulled the trigger, but I survived I ain’t the boy you trusted and lost But I’m the man who still carries that cost I built a life you’d be proud to see I broke the chains you begged me to leave And though I found love in another’s arms I bring yours here, in the shape of these scars [Verse 3 – Female voice, soft and radiant, sung over gentle harmony and ambient light] I see you, love — you made it through Kept walkin’ when the dark tried to bury you I watched you fall, watched you rise Felt your heartbeat echo every time you cried Our son — he smiles just like you do Says, “Daddy tried, and Daddy came through” We don’t blame you, we never did You were just a boy with too much to forgive [Bridge – Call and response, sung softly over acoustic and wind] [Male] I carry you both, gentle and deep [Female] And we walk beside you in every heartbeat [Male] I still see your name in everything I’ve earned [Female] And we glow in the love you finally learned [Final Chorus – Male and female sung together in harmony, call and response with joint lines] [Male] These promises — they bloomed from pain [Female] But they carried you through the wind and rain [Male] I ain’t perfect, but I’m standing true [Female] And we see the strength we always knew [Male] I hold her hand — still speak your name [Female] And I bless the love that helped you change [Duet] We lived, we lost — but love stayed true And that’s the best we both could do [Outro – Male and female, Duet sung softly together, guitar fading] Two names. One stone. But a whole life left to live And I'll always be with you In every breath you give [Male] I carry you both, gentle and deep [Female] And we walk beside you in every heartbeat [Male] I still see your name in everything I’ve earned [Female] And we glow in the love you finally learned