Empire of Dust Verse 1 I got good at saying “I’m alright” To keep the questions short Got good at showing up late And calling it bad luck I watched people lower their expectations One conversation at a time Nobody slammed the door behind them They just stopped trying Pre-Chorus That’s the part nobody tells you Love doesn’t always leave at once Chorus “You can have it all, my empire of dirt” That’s what’s left of everything I earned I spent years trying to be enough Now I’m tired of keeping score “Everyone I know goes away in the end” Some got tired of waiting again Some believed in who I could be More than who I turned out to be Verse 2 I know the look before it happens That quiet change behind the eyes When someone finally understands Another promise won’t survive I never meant to be a burden Never meant to disappoint But intentions don’t count for much When the damage makes the point Bridge The hardest thing I ever learned Wasn’t loss or growing old It’s watching faith disappear From the people I love most Final Chorus “You can have it all, my empire of dirt” Take the plans and watch them burn The things I wanted, the things I chased Couldn’t fill the empty space “Everyone I know goes away in the end” Maybe I would’ve done the same as them I just hope when they say my name They remember I was trying
