Intro (soft laugh) Mmm… Funny… Now you know what it feels like. (BGVs: “mmm…”) ⸻ Verse 1 You remember when I’d answer Every call you made to me. Now you gotta wonder If I’m ever gonna speak. Funny how the tables turn, Now you’re waitin’ by your phone. I used to leave the door unlocked… Now… Baby… I’m not home. (BGVs: “Not home…”) ⸻ Pre-Chorus You had your moment… You had your chance… Now you gotta understand… Love don’t wait forever… Neither do I. (Run: “Iiii…”) ⸻ Chorus You need permission… To get this close again. Permission… To call me more than friends. You had the key, But you let it fall. Now if you want my heart… You’ll have to ask at all. Permission… Isn’t yours anymore. Baby… I’m the one… Who decides. (BGVs: “Decides… decides…”) ⸻ Verse 2 See… Confidence looks better When it’s earned. Not assumed. You got comfortable Inside a love You never knew. Now you see me different. Now you hear my name. Funny how you found your voice… After everything changed. (BGVs: “Changed…”) ⸻ Pre-Chorus Don’t confuse my kindness For another open door. I’ve grown too much… To settle… For almost anymore. ⸻ Chorus You need permission… To get this close again… … ⸻ Bridge (Beat drops to Rhodes and bass.) I cried enough. I questioned enough. I waited enough. Now… You wait. (BGVs build) Maybe… Maybe not. Depends… On what you do. Not what you say. (Coloratura run) ⸻ Final Chorus Permission… To touch this heart again. Permission… To think we’re where we’ve been. You had forever In the palm of your hands. Now forever… Depends… On whether… I say… Yes… Or… No… BELT “NOOOOOOOOOOO…” Run “No-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh…”
