[Intro - Spoken, reflective] From my seat, I could see the whole runway. I thought I understood your life. Then someone let me backstage. [Verse 1 - Warm, quietly proud] Paris, your name on my invitation I kept my coat folded in my lap I searched for you among the silhouettes Then knew you by the way you held your head The dress moved just the way you'd told me You knew exactly where to turn your eyes I forgot to take my phone out Too proud to watch you through a screen [Pre-Chorus - Tender, uneasy] I showed my pass behind the hall Someone told me where to stand You passed so close without seeing me Already reaching for another zip [Chorus - Open, aching] I'd seen the dress beneath the lights The way you walked across the room Then I watched you looking for a chair Afraid to ask how long you had You asked me, “Did I look beautiful?” I watched the shaking in your hands I said yes, I said you looked amazing Then asked if you'd had time to eat I'd come to see you shine I didn't know what it took [Verse 2 - Close, unsettled] A woman knelt to help you change your shoes She saw your heel and reached for a bandage Another waited for you to breathe in To close the next dress around your waist You asked to see a picture of your entrance You said, “I think I got that one just right” Then someone called for one more touch-up You searched the mirror for what wasn't right [Pre-Chorus - Tension rising] They handed you some water, you took two sips Someone called your name beside the curtain You passed the open bottle back to me And left before I found the words [Chorus - Open, aching] I'd seen the dress beneath the lights The way you walked across the room Then I watched you looking for a chair Afraid to ask how long you had You asked me, “Did I look beautiful?” I watched the shaking in your hands I said yes, I said you looked amazing Then asked if you'd had time to eat I'd come to see you shine I didn't know what it took [Bridge - Bare, conflicted] Later, in the taxi, you slipped off your shoes And scrolled through all the pictures on my phone I said, “You can't keep putting yourself through this” You said, “Can't we just enjoy tonight?” I remembered how you looked when I applauded You had every right to feel proud I said, “Show me which one's your favorite” And saved my questions for the hotel [Build - Vulnerable, rising] I knew dressing rooms and exhaustion The times I'd said yes when I needed to stop But now I stood there holding your water While they were calling you back out [Final Chorus - Powerful, grieving] I still see the dress beneath the lights I understand why you loved it so I see you coming off the runway Looking for my eyes a moment more You asked me, “Did I look beautiful?” I wish I'd found the words for all of it To tell you just how proud I was And how afraid I felt despite it I'd come to see you shine I left just wanting to bring you home Now every time I see those pictures I see the things outside the frame Your shoes beneath the chair Your feet finally resting on the floor [Outro - Spoken, tender] Yes, I thought you looked beautiful. I still have your favorite picture.
