What I Carry For You

[Verse 1]
Your message waits beside the sink
I read it while the kettle sings
You ask if I can make it Sunday
I check the hours, count the things

The school forms, calls, the borrowed car
A shift that runs past half-past eight
I type, “I miss you, I’ll be there”
Then watch the minutes close the gate

[Pre-Chorus]
I know you’re tired of hearing soon
I know a promise doesn’t hold
But every time I turn away
It’s not because my heart grew cold

[Chorus]
If you could see what I carry for you
You’d know the distance isn’t where I want to be
I’m pulled by the lives that depend on me
But you’re still the place I’m trying to reach
I’m sorry my hours keep saying no
When every part of me wants you close
If love could count for the time I can’t give
You’d know how much of me is yours to keep

[Verse 2]
Your coat is hanging by the door
From that last night we stayed too late
We laughed about the burnt-up pie
And said we’d do it soon again

I keep that picture in my phone
Your crooked grin, the paper plates
I pass it on the bus ride home
And feel the miles between our days

[Pre-Chorus]
I know a heart can’t live on plans
Or little notes I never send
I’m trying not to let the urgent
Take the place of who I love again

[Chorus]
If you could see what I carry for you
You’d know the distance isn’t where I want to be
I’m pulled by the lives that depend on me
But you’re still the place I’m trying to reach
I’m sorry my hours keep saying no
When every part of me wants you close
If love could count for the time I can’t give
You’d know how much of me is yours to keep

[Bridge]
When the last appointment’s written down
When the laundry’s folded, lights are low
I’ll come sit beside you, no excuse
No checking what I still have to do

And if I’m late, if plans fall through
Please don’t mistake the clock for truth
I may be far across the town
But I have never put you down

[Final Chorus]
If you could see what I carry for you
You’d know the distance isn’t where I want to be
I’m pulled by the lives that depend on me
But you’re still the place I’m trying to reach
I’m sorry my hours keep saying no
When every part of me wants you close
If love could count for the time I can’t give
You’d know how much of me is yours to keep

[Outro]
Your message waits beside the sink
I’ll call tonight; I mean it this time