(Intro) (Acoustic guitar begins a steady, repetitive folk pluck. A cello hums a low, mournful note in the background.) (Verse 1) We spent twenty winters sharpened like knives Carving out corners of each other's lives I was the daughter, you were the bride Both of us were too stubborn to step to the side We fought for his time like it was gold in the ground Now there’s a different kind of silence hanging around. (Verse 2) (Mandolin enters softly, playing high, shimmering notes) The news is still fresh, the ink isn't dry And I'm learning the way that you look when you cry You’re still standing tall, You’re still holding your own But I see the sorrow that the doctor has shown I used to wish you’d just get up and leave But not with this monster hiding up in your sleeve. (Chorus) (The rhythm picks up slightly; more "strumming" than "plucking") I’m dropping the stones I’ve been carrying for years They don't weigh a thing next to these kinds of fears I spent my whole life trying to win But I’d lose it all just to see you breathe in We were two different fires, But we’re the same shade of blue I’m quitting the war so I can fight for you. (Verse 3) (Instruments pull back to just guitar; very intimate) I caught him watching from the edge of the door Looking at us like he’s never seen us before He saw me hand you the water, saw me pull up a chair He saw the white flag hanging there in the air He didn't say much, just leaned on the doorframe But for the first time in years, He didn’t whisper your name... (Pause) ...like a prayer for peace. (Bridge) (Fuller sound now, the cello builds tension and strength) It’s a long road ahead, and the climbing is steep And I know our history is ugly and deep But if you start to stumble and the world starts to shake I’ll be the shadow behind you that won’t let you break. (Chorus) (Highest energy of the song; the fiddle/cello plays a soaring melody behind the vocals) Yeah, I’m dropping the stones I’ve been carrying for years They don't weigh a thing next to these kinds of fears I spent my whole life trying to win But I’d lose it all just to see you breathe in We were two different fires, But we’re the same shade of blue I’m quitting the war so I can fight for you. (Outro) (Music drops down to a single, soft guitar pluck) The sun’s going down on the life that we knew I’m just a phone call away when the fear comes through Don’t tell me you’re fine, don’t tell me you’re tough For once in our lives... being "us" is enough. (Final acoustic chord rings out and fades into silence)
