[Verse 1] I woke beneath a paper gown, The monitor kept count for me. A nurse was laughing through her tears; I asked if I could call my girl. My hands remembered every door I thought I’d never touch again. The room was bright, the day was plain, And I was scared to breathe it in. [Pre-Chorus] I had a list of questions ready, A fistful of blame to throw. But all I heard was her small voice Saying, “Dad, I’m glad you’re home.” [Chorus] If love can outlast all of this, Then let it find me where I am. I’m not the man I meant to be, But I can learn to take her hand. No answer settles every ache, No grand design makes sorrow end. I’m still here, still hers, still trying; Maybe that’s where I begin. [Verse 2] The kitchen clock had lost a minute, Her schoolbag leaned against the chair. She showed me drawings, crooked suns, And told me who had brushed her hair. I wanted time to hold its breath, To keep that little room unchanged. But love can leave the porch light on And still make room for days to change. [Pre-Chorus] I used to count the ways I failed, Like proof could make the verdict true. Then she climbed up beside me, And made a little space for two. [Chorus] If love can outlast all of this, Then let it find me where I am. I’m not the man I meant to be, But I can learn to take her hand. No answer settles every ache, No grand design makes sorrow end. I’m still here, still hers, still trying; Maybe that’s where I begin. [Bridge] I asked the sky to make it simple. It kept its weather, kept its blue. So I’ll be here for scraped-up knees, For every hard thing she walks through. And when the past comes back to name me, I’ll let it speak, then let it pass. A life is more than what it broke; A heart can mend without a map. [Breakdown] Still here! Still hers! Still trying! I can learn to take her hand! [Final Chorus] If love can outlast all of this, Then let it find me where I am. I’m not the man I meant to be, But I can learn to take her hand. No answer settles every ache, No grand design makes sorrow end. I’m still here, still hers, still trying; Maybe that’s where I begin. [Outro] She fell asleep with one shoe on. I stayed until the hallway dimmed. No final answer came that night. I held the door and let life in.
