Alex

[Verse 1] I watched as Alex got off at the motel stop With a suitcase stitched from hope and rot Held a flyer tight in trembling hands— “Live music tonight,” it said in pink Ordered whiskey at the bar, neat Told the bartender, “I’ve got a dream.” And smiled like the future was a bet That hadn’t cashed in yet Like the world still might forget its debt [Verse 2] I was tuning strings behind the mic Wearing last night’s eyeliner like spite Felt those eyes like static in the haze Said, “You from here?” with a look too soft I said, “Not anymore, and it’s not my loss” “I burned this town before it knew my name” Alex laughed and offered me a drink I said nothing, just poured it down the sink Already knowing what they’d think [Verse 3] Later out back with a busted smoke Alex said, “You sing like a holy joke— All cracked open but too proud to bleed” I said, “I got taught how to play pretend How to ghost before the story ends I kiss kind but I don’t know how to feed” Alex leaned in like they hadn’t heard Like one day I might return But I never even learned those words [Verse 4] left a note on a napkin torn Said, “You don’t owe me what you can’t afford But I wish you’d told me where it hurts.” I watched the sunrise stain the floor And thought, I don’t even lock the door But no one walks in who ain't cursed Alex, I hope you find a softer bed Than this motel where the dreams play dead And I hope I never get out of your head