[VERSE 1] The hills know my footsteps by heart Every fence post knows my name I’ve counted my years in lambing seasons And prayers whispered into rain Mama says, “The world is cruel, love” Daddy says, “This land is who you are” But I hear something calling louder Than the lowing in the yard [PRE-CHORUS] I’ve been staring at maps like mirrors Tracing roads I’ve never been Every night the horizon whispers There’s more than this for seventeen [CHORUS] I’m seventeen and the sea keeps calling Like it knows what I could be If I stay, I’ll learn every field by heart If I go, I’ll finally learn me I don’t want to break your hearts, Mum and Dad But mine’s already torn in two So I’ll carry home in my bones While I chase the truth [VERSE 2] Mama cried in the kitchen light Hands deep in the washing bowl Said, “Dreams don’t keep you warm at night” I said, “Neither does a restless soul” Daddy stood quiet by the doorway Like the words were stuck in stone He’s loved this land his whole damn life And thought I’d make it home [PRE-CHORUS 2] They say, “The world will harden you” Like staying won’t do the same They don’t see the ache in my chest When every day feels just like yesterday [CHORUS] I’m seventeen and the sea keeps calling With a voice I can’t outrun If I stay, I’ll grow old wondering If I go, at least I’ll know I’ve lived some I don’t want to break your hearts, Mum and Dad But love don’t mean staying still Sometimes leaving is the bravest way To honour where you’re from [BRIDGE] I packed my life in a battered case Left a note by the kettle and stove Said, “I’m not running from you” “I’m running toward my own” If I don’t come back the same girl Please don’t say I’ve gone wrong You raised me strong enough to walk away When the calling’s this strong [FINAL CHORUS / OUTRO] I’m seventeen, the train’s departing Fields fade into the grey Every mile feels like forgiveness And every mile feels like pain I broke your hearts to save my own God, I hope you’ll understand That the girl you raised to love this land Had to leave it to become who she is [OUTRO] The hills will still be standing When I find my way back home
