[intro] [Verse 1] Sunday paint, borrowed ladder Pressed against the rented wall You said, “Just one window” Then climbed above them all I kept both hands on the rails While you leaned beyond the roof “Don’t let go,” you called Like that was all love had to prove [Pre-Chorus] Every promise Moved one rung Every future Stayed above us I was scared to ask What all this holding had become [Chorus] I’M HOLDING THE LADDER, THE LADDER, I’M HOLDING— While the future you painted is folding. You keep calling it freedom from three floors above. I keep taking your weight for the weight of your love. I’M HOLDING THE LADDER, THE LADDER, I’M HOLDING— But who holds me up? [Instrumental] [Verse 2] Paint dried hard around the bucket Rain soaked through my shoes You kept talking from the rooftop Like the height improved the view I learned every way to steady Every tremor through the frame You learned I would take the shaking So you never felt your weight [Pre-Chorus 2] I don’t blame you For the climb I said yes Every time Being needed felt like love Till I had no life of mine [Chorus] I’M HOLDING THE LADDER, THE LADDER, I’M HOLDING— While the future you painted is folding. You keep calling it freedom from three floors above. I keep taking your weight for the weight of your love. I’M HOLDING THE LADDER, THE LADDER, I’M HOLDING— But who holds me up? [Instrumental] [Bridge] I can keep you from falling. I can’t make you come down. Love that never gets to move Is fear with better vows. [Soaring guitar solo] [Final Chorus] I’M HOLDING THE LADDER, THE LADDER, I’M HOLDING— For the last time. My fingers are opening. If you want what is ours, come down from above. I won’t carry your distance and call it love. I’M LEAVING THE LADDER, THE LADDER, I’M LEAVING— And for once I can feel myself breathing. I need both hands to pull myself up. [Outro]
