[Sequence: Fingerpicked Intro | Verse 1 | Chorus | Verse 2 | Chorus | Bridge | Final Chorus | Outro] [Verse 1] We used to talk about forever like we'd already seen the place. You'd say, "If I get there before you, I'll be waiting at the gate." I'd laugh and say, "You better. Don't you wander off too far." Funny how a little promise can become part of who you are. I carried that for years without thinking it could change. Some things feel so certain you forget they're only made. [Chorus] Now there's no one waiting for me at the end of this old road. No familiar hand reaching when it's finally time to go. No "What took you so long?" No arms I've always known. I never thought forever was another thing I'd lose. I thought when this life took everything... I'd still have you. [Verse 2] You found another life now. Someone else is by your side. There are people gathered 'round you. There's a future in your eyes. And I don't wish it different. You deserve the life you found. But somewhere in your moving on... My heaven changed somehow. Because I didn't only picture growing old with you down here. I thought even when this ended... You'd still be somewhere near. [Chorus] Now there's no one waiting for me at the end of this old road. No familiar hand reaching when it's finally time to go. No "What took you so long?" No arms I've always known. I never thought forever was another thing I'd lose. I thought when this life took everything... I'd still have you. [Instrumental | Piano and Pedal Steel] [Bridge] Maybe that's the fairy tale. Not heaven. Not forever. Just believing one person would always be yours... Somewhere. I used to think the worst goodbye would happen here on earth. I never knew a goodbye could reach beyond it. [Pause] You don't owe me eternity. You don't owe me anything. That's what makes it hurt. [Final Chorus | Restrained Build] There's no one waiting for me like I always thought there'd be. No one watching down that road, keeping one more place for me. Maybe when my time comes I'll find something I can't see. Maybe forever's bigger than the way it used to be. But tonight I can't pretend I know what waits beyond this life. I only know the story I believed in... Isn't mine. You were my once upon a time. I thought you'd be my ending too. Now the fairy tale is over... And forever lost you too. [Outro | Instruments Fall Away] For years, I wasn't afraid of the ending. I knew who'd be there. [Long Pause] I don't anymore. [Single Guitar Phrase] [End]
