[Verse 1] I keep a list beside the sink Of little things I meant to do A call returned, a door held open A borrowed coat brought back to you [Pre-Chorus] Some nights I count the good I gave Some nights the names I let down Which one will carry past my hands When I am quiet, when I am gone? [Chorus] If love is what I leave behind Let it be more than what I broke A place to rest, a little help A promise kept, a truth I spoke But every tender thing I tried Sits next to every time I failed Tell me which story takes my name When all the telling has gone still [Verse 2] I remember your unanswered call The kitchen clock, the blue mug cracked I said I’d come, I didn’t come And you stopped asking after that [Pre-Chorus] I’ve tried to make a useful life To leave the room a little kind But every good thing has a seam Where all my worst days show inside [Chorus] If love is what I leave behind Let it be more than what I broke A place to rest, a little help A promise kept, a truth I spoke But every tender thing I tried Sits next to every time I failed Tell me which story takes my name When all the telling has gone still [Bridge] Maybe no single story wins Maybe both are true at once The hands that held, the hands that hurt The words I gave, the ones I swallowed [Final Chorus] If love is what I leave behind Let it be something people use A meal, a ride, a patient ear A second chance I didn’t lose And when my last day comes around I hope the whole of me is seen Not only where I fell short But how I tried to make amends [Outro] How I tried How I tried
