The Quiet That Knows Me

Verse 1 I wake up before the light decides, House still holding its breath. Sink’s got a drip that won’t commit, Clock keeps arguing with itself. I step outside in yesterday’s boots, Cold grass, radio from miles away. There’s a mailbox full of other people’s lives, And my name don’t show up much these days. Verse 2 The old bridge hums when a truck goes by, Like it’s trying to remember a song. I pass a field that used to be ours, Now it just belongs to the fog. There’s a dog that waits at the closed-down store, Nobody knows who he’s for. I think about leaving at least once a week, I think about staying more. Chorus This town don’t need me, but it keeps me around, Like a chair nobody throws out. I do my work, then I shut my mouth, Watch the sun go down, come back up. I’m not lost, I’m not found, I’m not holy, I’m not doomed, I’m just learning how to live in the quiet that knows me. Verse 3 Mrs. Alvarez still waters her flowers, Even when the rain’s coming in. We talk about nothing, then talk some more, Like that’s how you keep it from ending. My father’s truck is rust in the weeds, But I still know where he’d park. Some promises don’t break, they just Learn how to stay dark. [Instrumental] Verse 4 There’s a box in the hall with a different life, Maps and a half-made plan. Every once in a while I open it up, Then tape it shut again. I used to think I was meant for more, Now I think I’m meant for here. Funny how the thing you stop chasing Is the thing that finally stays near. Bridge Maybe simple is just another word for tired, Maybe tired is just being done. I don’t need a reason to stay anymore, I just stay. That’s become enough. Chorus This town don’t need me, but it keeps me around, Like a chair nobody throws out. I do my work, then I shut my mouth, Watch the sun go down, come back up. I’m not lost, I’m not found, I’m not holy, I’m not doomed, I’m just learning how to live in the quiet that knows me. Outro Night comes in without saying much, Leaves the porch light on for me. Somewhere a road is calling a name, But it ain’t calling me.