Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I folded every photograph
But left the one beside the bed
Not because I’m coming back
But some goodbyes don’t leave you dead
You gave me years I can’t erase
You knew the woman underneath
And even though I’m choosing distance
You are still a part of me
[Pre-Chorus]
I won’t blame you for the ending
I won’t stain what we once had
Some love can still be sacred
Even when it cannot last
[Chorus]
I’ll carry your name
Where nobody else can hear it
In the quiet part of my heart
Where the truth still lives
I may walk away
But I won’t pretend you meant nothing
You were real, you were mine
And I’ll love what we were
For the rest of my life
[Verse 2]
I know another hand may hold you
Another voice may calm your fears
I hope she learns your guarded silence
And never uses it against you
I hope she sees the tired little boy
Behind the man who stands so tall
And when she loves you through your weakness
I hope you finally give her all
[Bridge]
Please don’t ask me to stay
I might surrender if you do
My strength is barely holding
While I’m standing here with you
So let me leave with dignity
Before my courage disappears
I can survive losing your arms
But not another empty year
[Final Chorus]
I’ll carry your name
Even when my voice starts shaking
Even when the road between us
Turns into miles
I may walk away
But every step will cost me something
You were real, you were mine
And I’ll honor that love
For the rest of my life
[Outro / Ad-libs]
I won’t forget you
I couldn’t if I tried
Go find the love you need
I’ll learn to live without your side
You were real
You were mine
And somewhere deep inside
I’ll carry your name
For the rest of my life