From the recording Hold on, Kid
Lyrics
Verse 1
I found a picture in a worn-out box
Gap-toothed grin and a head too big
Didn’t know what was coming next
Didn’t know how long nights get
You thought grown-ups had the answers
You thought love was always safe
You didn’t see the cracks forming
In the walls you hadn’t made
Pre-Chorus
If I could step into that moment
Before the first door closed
Chorus
I’d put my hands on your small shoulders
Tell you none of it was your fault
When the house gets quiet and heavy
When the phone doesn’t ring at all
When hearts walk out without warning
And the world feels sharp and unfair
I can’t stop what’s coming for you
But I swear I’ll meet you there
Verse 2
You’re gonna learn what leaving means
You’re gonna stand where caskets close
You’ll memorize the sound of silence
In rooms that used to hold you close
You’ll carry things you never chose
You’ll blame yourself for other people’s storms
You’ll try to be the steady one
While breaking in your own arms
Pre-Chorus
I wish I could take the weight first
Let you keep your light a little longer
Chorus
I’d put my hands on your small shoulders
Tell you none of it was your fault
When the house gets quiet and heavy
When the phone doesn’t ring at all
When trust feels thin as paper
And love feels like a dare
I can’t rewrite the story
But I’ll grow strong enough to care
Bridge
You don’t know yet
But you survive it
You bend, you bruise
But you’re not divided
You’ll lose some people
You’ll lose some peace
But you don’t lose you
Not completely
Final Chorus (slightly lifted)
So I’ll hold this picture steady
Like I’m holding you somehow
You don’t see me yet
But I’m the proof you make it out
Every scar becomes a language
Every tear becomes a prayer
I couldn’t shield you from the hurting
But I built the man who’s there
Outro
Hold on, kid
You don’t know it yet
But I’ve got you.