Another Year Beneath the Dust

[Verse 1] The last guest left without a word The candles drowned in melted wax A paper crown lies on the chair Beside the coat nobody took back The room still smells of sugared cream The plates are stacked beside the sink I made a wish beneath the flame Then watched it vanish before I blinked [Pre-Chorus] Every laugh was carefully placed Every cheer wore someone else’s face [Chorus] It’s my birthday, why does it feel the same? A room full of ribbons, a heart full of rain The cake sits untouched like a monument To all of the joy that was never meant It’s my birthday, say my name if you’re there The silence keeps folding the empty chair I blow out the candles, one by one Another year ending before it’s begun [Verse 2] Confetti gathers near the door Bright little pieces swept aside The presents opened, nothing changed No gentle hand reached for mine I keep the wrapping on the floor As proof that something happened here But every color turns to gray When no one stays to hold me near [Bridge] If this is growing, let me sleep If this is healing, why so deep? I search the walls for something kind And find my own reflection crying [Final Chorus] It’s my birthday, why does it feel the same? A room full of ribbons, a heart full of rain The cake sits untouched like a sugary tomb And every small wish disappears in the room It’s my birthday, the candles burn low I ask for a warmth I have never known The music is gone, the doorway is still And loneliness waits with a patient will [Outro] Another year beneath the dust Another wish I couldn’t trust The last light fades across the floor It’s my birthday—and nothing more.