[Intro – 2 bars] (amp hum,low room hush) [Verse 1] You’re the smoke in my lungs,the thorn in the vine, every step I take,you’re walkin’ my mind. Tried cold water,tried midnight prayer, still your shadow curls in my favorite chair. I’ve packed my heart twice,left it by the door— sun comes up,and I’m back for more. [Verse 2] Neighbors say “leave,”pastor says “heal,” but your name’s carved deep in the brass of my will. I hide my hands,I hide my pride, but one whisper from you pulls me back inside. Girl,you’re sweet on the tongue,fire in the throat— I swear I’m done,then I lose that vote. [Chorus] Can’t shake you loose,no matter how I try, you’re the echo in my bones,the reason and the why. If freedom’s a road,I’m stuck in the snow— spinnin’ these wheels,but I can’t let go. [Stop-time Break] (hold) Count it in—two—three—hit! [Guitar Solo – ~16 bars] (bendy,singable motifs,space between lines) [Breakdown Verse] Moon at the window,coffee on the stove, I tally the promises I already owe. Your knock is a thunder,my backbone folds, I’m a lighthouse drunk on the storm I hold. If loving you’s wrong,then right’s gone thin— I’m a locked door beggin’ you in. [Big Chorus] Can’t shake you loose,no matter how I try, you’re the bruise and the bloom,the prayer and the lie. If freedom’s a boat,my anchor says “no”— dragging the bottom,but I can’t let go. [Ad-lib Outro/Tag] Can’t let go—no,no— hands say “leave,”heart says “stay,” night after night— I can’t let go…
