Pulling Back from Your Open

[Verse 1]
You say you missed me, I say, “That’s kind”
Then search your face for the reason behind
You laugh at my story, I count every beat
Wonder if pity just learned how to speak

[Pre-Chorus]
You reach for my hand; I let it stay
Then tell myself you’d do that anyway

[Chorus]
You can love me, you can say it plain
Still I hear a softer word beneath your name
I take your kindness, turn it inside out
Looking for the catch, the doubt
Maybe I’m loved; I just can’t let it land
I keep pulling back from your open hand

[Verse 2]
You remember the date I said I would dread
You send one small message: “Still here,” it said
I read it three times, then make it mean less
A favor, a reflex, a practiced tenderness

[Pre-Chorus]
You look in my eyes; I look away
Afraid you’ll see how much I need you to stay

[Chorus]
You can love me, you can say it plain
Still I hear a softer word beneath your name
I take your kindness, turn it inside out
Looking for the catch, the doubt
Maybe I’m loved; I just can’t let it land
I keep pulling back from your open hand

[Bridge]
If I stop asking what you owe
Will I feel the answer that you already know?
You don’t have to earn your place in my mind
I’m trying to believe you’re here by choice, not kind

[Final Chorus]
You can love me, you can say it plain
I’ll try to hear the meaning, not explain it away
I take your kindness, let it stay as it is
No hidden debt tucked under every kiss
Maybe I’m loved; I can let it land
I’m learning to hold what you give with both hands

[Outro]
You say you’re here
I’m trying to hear