The Leash Tied Tight

[Verse 1]
They put a paper tag around my neck,
said, “Good dog, this one’s easy to keep.”
I learned the shape of every stranger’s hand,
then watched their car lights leave the street.
I spent my yes on borrowed forever,
left little pieces in every room.
Now you’re standing there with the right kind eyes,
and I’m behind a door I helped them build too soon.

[Pre-Chorus]
I hear your keys turn in the lock,
but every promise holds me fast.

[Chorus]
I was yours too late, too late,
with the leash tied tight to yesterday.
You were the home I waited for;
I’m watching through the pound’s front door.
I was yours too late, too late,
all my good years given away.
The right one came, the gate stayed closed—
I see you go. I see you go.

[Verse 2]
They called me family till the rent came due,
then passed me on like a favor gone bad.
I kept my tail up, learned not to ask,
made every almost-home feel like all I had.
You stop outside; I know your shoes.
I know the pause before you turn.
I’ve got a heart that still runs to you,
but nowhere left to put what I have learned.

[Pre-Chorus]
I hear your keys turn in the lock,
but every promise holds me fast.

[Chorus]
I was yours too late, too late,
with the leash tied tight to yesterday.
You were the home I waited for;
I’m watching through the pound’s front door.
I was yours too late, too late,
all my good years given away.
The right one came, the gate stayed closed—
I see you go. I see you go.

[Bridge]
If I could bark the years back loose,
I’d run to you with nothing owed.
But I’m still wearing every name
of every hand that let me go.

[Final Chorus]
I was yours too late, too late,
with the leash tied tight to yesterday.
You were the home I waited for;
I’m watching through the pound’s front door.
The right one came, the gate stayed closed—
I see you go. I see you go.