I Can Stay

[Verse 1]
I kept a chair pulled out for everyone
Made room before they asked me to
I learned the shape of every aching heart
And wore it like a coat I never knew

I remembered birthdays, borrowed coats
Stayed up till the shaking passed
Now my own hands hover at the door
Like I have to earn a place at last

[Pre-Chorus]
I gave away the softest parts
Till I forgot they had my name

[Chorus]
I loved too many people like a promise
Spent my whole heart trying to make them stay
Now when someone reaches out to hold me
I turn my face and say, “I’m okay”
If I poured myself out till there’s nothing
Does that mean I’m not the kind you choose?
I’m learning love was never meant to leave me
With no love left to give myself to

[Verse 2]
Your message waits; I read it three times
Searching for the catch beneath the care
You say you want to know me as I am
I don’t know what to do with someone there

I know how to listen through the silence
How to tell a joke before they cry
But when you ask me what I’m needing
Every answer folds and hides

[Pre-Chorus]
I made a home in everybody’s storms
Then wondered why my own room felt so bare

[Chorus]
I loved too many people like a promise
Spent my whole heart trying to make them stay
Now when someone reaches out to hold me
I turn my face and say, “I’m okay”
If I poured myself out till there’s nothing
Does that mean I’m not the kind you choose?
I’m learning love was never meant to leave me
With no love left to give myself to

[Instrumental Break]

[Bridge]
Maybe I mistook being needed
For being worthy of a place
Maybe I called it kindness
When I disappeared to keep their faith

You don’t have to pay me back
You don’t have to make me whole
Just sit beside me while I practice
Not abandoning my own soul

[Half-Time Breakdown]
I am not the sum of every goodbye
I am not the debt of every hand I held
There is still a room inside me
I can enter for myself

[Final Chorus]
I loved too many people like a promise
Spent my whole heart trying to make them stay
But I can let your kindness reach me
I don’t have to turn it all away
If I poured myself out till there’s nothing
I can start with one small truth:
Love was never meant to leave me
With no love left to give myself to

[Final Refrain]
I can keep a little for the morning
I can let my own name sound like home
You can love me without being owed it
I can stay, and not be alone

[Outro]
I can stay
I can stay