[Verse 1] You talk across my shoulder Like my chair is standing bare. You ask somebody how I feel While I am sitting there. I watch the handle turning, Hear the plans already made. I find my voice a moment late; You’re halfway down the passageway. [Pre-Chorus] My words come slowly, but they’re mine. Stay long enough to give them time. [Chorus] Respect me in the quiet, When my voice won’t fill the room. Knock before you cross my doorway; Let me say what you may do. I should never have to haunt you Just to make you hear my name. I am here beneath the moonlight— Let my answer carry weight. [Verse 2] A cup moved out of reaching, My choices put aside. “You’ll thank us in the morning.” I turn my face and hide. These little things come back at night, Like footsteps on the stair. I rehearse what I was trying to say To someone who stayed there. [Pre-Chorus] A gentle voice can still decide To leave my wishes locked outside. [Chorus] Respect me in the quiet, When my voice won’t fill the room. Knock before you cross my doorway; Let me say what you may do. I should never have to haunt you Just to make you hear my name. I am here beneath the moonlight— Let my answer carry weight. [Bridge — stripped back, then building] If I say no, then hear me. If I ask why, explain. If you promise you’ll come back, Please come back again. You don’t need perfect answers; You can say you’re not quite sure. We can work it out together When my chair is next to yours. [Final Chorus — soaring] Respect me in the quiet, And the anger, and the tears. Let me finish what I’m saying; There’s a person speaking here. I should never have to haunt you Just to make you hear my name. When we choose what happens next, Let my answer carry weight. [Outro — soft piano] A knock. You wait. “Come in,” I say. You pull a chair up. This time, you stay.
