[Verse 1] I kept my shoes by the door Like the world would call my name Folded up my little plans Like a map that lost the rain Mama said, "Hold your ground" I held it like a fragile cup Every dream I touched turned gold Then the morning filled it up [Pre-Chorus] And I smiled at every yes Like it meant the same as home But the room kept getting bigger And I kept growing alone [Chorus] Oh, paper crown It looked so high Oh, paper crown I let it dry If life is a river I learned to float I was chasing the sky While I stood in the boat [Verse 2] My friends all wore their bright first years Like they fit beneath their skin I kept asking for the answer At the edge of every win I built a quiet kind of faith Out of second-guess and dust Wanted more than what was given Wanted more than what was just [Pre-Chorus] And I bowed to every sign Like it knew my hidden name But the road kept changing faces And I changed to match the frame [Chorus] Oh, paper crown It looked so high Oh, paper crown I let it dry If life is a river I learned to float I was chasing the sky While I stood in the boat [Guitar Solo] [Verse 3] Now the mirror keeps its counsel Doesn't flatter, doesn't lie Shows me who I was pretending Shows me how I learned to try I still dream in silver windows Still expect a sweeter day But I set the table gently For the things that don't stay [Pre-Chorus] And I love the little answers That arrive without a crowd Soft as rain on sleeping fields Nobody writes them down [Chorus] Oh, paper crown It looked so high Oh, paper crown I let it dry If life is a river I learned to float I was chasing the sky While I stood in the boat [Guitar Solo] [Bridge] Maybe dreams are only doors That teach your hands the shape Maybe hope is just a weather You can stand in and not break So I won't trade my ache for armor Won't pretend I never fell I'm just learning how to listen To the life inside the shell [Chorus] Oh, paper crown It looked so high Oh, paper crown I let it dry If life is a river I learned to float I was chasing the sky While I stood in the boat [Guitar Solo] [Outro] Still chasing, still changing Still folding the light Still learning what to keep And what to leave behind
