The Self I Can't Quite Catch

[Verse 1]
I keep a list inside my coat
Of every way I missed the mark
The ink runs blue against my thumb
I fold it small and carry on

[Pre-Chorus]
There’s someone just ahead of me
With cleaner hands and steadier feet
I watch him take the turning fast
Then choose the road beneath my path

[Chorus]
I’m not the one I meant to be
I’m still the one who’s here
With every crooked, honest piece
I make a life from here
Let that better ghost run on
I have a day to live
I’m done waiting to become
The self I can’t quite catch

[Verse 2]
The kettle clicks, the rent is due
A plant leans hard toward window light
I call my sister back at last
And let the little things count

[Pre-Chorus]
That polished face keeps pace with me
But doesn’t know what I have seen
I’ve made a home with what I’ve got
And learned to love the uneven parts

[Chorus]
I’m not the one I meant to be
I’m still the one who’s here
With every crooked, honest piece
I make a life from here
Let that better ghost run on
I have a day to live
I’m done waiting to become
The self I can’t quite catch

[Bridge]
Let him vanish round the bend
I won’t bargain with the end
This breath, this bruise, this open door
I’m not asking to be more

[Final Chorus]
I’m not the one I meant to be
I’m still the one who’s here
With every crooked, honest piece
I make a life from here
Let that better ghost run on
I have a day to live
I’m done waiting to become
The self I can’t quite catch

[Outro]
I’m here, I’m here
And that is mine to give