[Verse 1] We started out on one back road Same broke watch, same worn-out clothes You said "let's go" and I said "hold on" Then the miles got long and the talk got gone I kept a seat saved up for you Kept your name in the stuff I do But every time I climbed one rung You stared at the ladder like it was too much [Pre-Chorus] I could feel the room get small When my shadow hit the wall You called it luck, I called it work Still I carried you first [Chorus] I had to go alone I had to go alone Empty seats behind me now Still I made it out I had to go alone I had to go alone If you can't climb, don't hold me down I still made it out [Verse 2] Some got quiet when the checks got real Some got sharp when the dream got steel I watched goodbyes at the corner store One last wave, then they asked for more I don't hate you, I just see Not everybody grows with me Some folks love you at the start Then fear the height, then split apart [Pre-Chorus] I can hear the old names call From the bottom of it all But I won't trade my open sky For a crowded goodbye [Chorus] I had to go alone I had to go alone Empty seats behind me now Still I made it out I had to go alone I had to go alone If you can't climb, don't hold me down I still made it out [Bridge] I outgrew the rooms we knew Outgrew the lies we spoke as truth I learned love can leave a bruise When it wants your steps to stop So I kept my face to the dawn Kept my feet where they belong If you can't meet me at the top Then don't ask me to drop [Final Chorus] I had to go alone I had to go alone Empty seats behind me now Still I made it out I had to go alone I had to go alone If you can't climb, don't hold me down I still made it out I had to go alone I had to go alone And I love you from that height But I kept moving on
