Lives Not Lived

[Verse 1]
You gave the almost-me a velvet rope
A docent badge, a room to pace
The pilot with the perfect coat
The painter with a borrowed face
You dust each frame, you check the light
You know their names, their dates, their art
The doors swing shut at closing time
You’re still outside your own heart

[Pre-Chorus]
Little brass plaque, polished bright
“Could have been” in black and white
Every label, every part
None of them can take your heart

[Chorus]
Welcome to the lives not lived
Pick a frame and watch it kick
Bassline sideways, heels don’t land
You’re the guard who missed the grandstand
All these selves behind the glass
Wave goodbye as hours pass
Close the book, unlock the door
You are here—what are you waiting for?

[Verse 2]
A tiny astronaut floats in a jar
A chef serves menus made of air
The almost-famous, almost-far
Have perfect hair and vacant stares
You keep the tickets in a drawer
For every train you didn’t ride
But one small hand is on the door
And one real day is still outside

[Pre-Chorus]
Little brass plaque, polished bright
“Could have been” in black and white
Every label, every part
None of them can take your heart

[Chorus]
Welcome to the lives not lived
Pick a frame and watch it kick
Bassline sideways, heels don’t land
You’re the guard who missed the grandstand
All these selves behind the glass
Wave goodbye as hours pass
Close the book, unlock the door
You are here—what are you waiting for?

[Bridge]
The curator clears his throat
The velvet rope slips from his hand
No grand reveal, no secret note
Just dust, a key, and solid land
You don’t need a better name
You don’t need their perfect view
Turn the sign around today:
“Open. Come on through.”

[Final Chorus]
Welcome to the lives not lived
Leave the frames; the door gives in
Bassline sideways, heels don’t land
Take your place, take your chance
All those selves behind the glass
Let them keep their polished past
Close the book, unlock the door
You are here—go live some more

[Outro]
You are here
The door is yours
You are here