THIS song was the worst; I hated writing it. None of the melodies felt original, the story wanted to stubbornly keep its mouth SHUT, and we had a big fight where I nearly told it to leave and never come back. After a few SUPER moody attempts to play together, we reconciled long enough to grab this take.
Here I sit alone again
cross-legged on the floor.
I close my eyes a bit too tight
to override the thought I can't ignore,
but it's still there:
the haunting revelation
of your empty chair.
Scouring my brain for things
to occupy my mind.
You stormed the stage so recklessly
the cast and crew packed up and said goodbye.
My arms are full
of tragic chaos left by
someone I still hardly know.
You came in way too hot;
I forgot to be cautious.
Once already you took off
(like I wouldn't notice).
You showed up, all good intent–
I was ready to believe it–
but you left me on the steps.
You had me then: now never again.
Driving 'round this sleepy town,
I'm looking for the signs:
footprints there–a scarf!–a prayer–
a shadow that I swear used to be mine.
You own the key
to triumphant return
or leaving everything.
You came in way too hot;
I forgot to be cautious.
Once already you took off,
and I paid the cost
in tissues and in movies by myself,
in cancelled plans and new books on the shelf,
in heartache and unravelled thoughts,
insomnia and getting lost,
in hoping I was wrong: knowing I'm not.
Windows down, the sun is out;
I try to soak it in.
This is where I leave you, dear,
I'm done with your lessons.
You came in way too hot;
I forgot to be cautious.
Once already you took off
(like I wouldn't notice).
You showed up, all good intent–
I was ready to believe it–
but you left me heartbroken.
You had me then: now never again.
Now never again.
@halfwayhome Mar 2022
Thanks you two for working your way through the difficult times - in this case, it was worth the pain! Wonderful song, so many highlights in the words, the melody, and the clever chord progressions. My favourites: the whole C, to Dmin to C to Bb (chords and melody), "in tissues and in movies by myself, in cancelled plans and new books on the shelf," - words, melody, accompaniment - perfect!
I recognise that 'none of the melodies felt original' feeling - but often it's just the feeling when you arrive at a melody that has existed, but never been found, until now... just the those perfect little melodies that are out there waiting for someone to discover them. You've discovered so many in this piece - it's amazing!
@roblyon5150 Feb 2022
I feel this way about most if my songs.
@miga Feb 2022
omgoodness, your description of your relationship with this song was funny! I have felt that. But I'm glad you persevered and put the song out anyway because it's good! (You have a lovely voice too!)
@bootlegger Feb 2022
Sometimes it's those songs that are hell to write that you give some space and time and come back and fall in love with. Maybe that's the fate of this one. Who knows? But I gotta tell u I really like it. The melody is lovely. The flow is really cool and how it twists into each different part is simultaneously unexpected and welcomed. I really like this. Well written. Well sung. Well performed. Very cool.