If I’d Listened Sooner

You said I'm tired of pretending I'm stronger than I am

I said you worry too much, you never took your hand

If I listened sooner, I'd still know how you breathe

I'd still wake up beside you, instead of memories

You were asking for my heart, not excuses, not my pride

If I listened sooner, you wouldn't have said bye

You stopped asking me to notice, stopped waiting on my change

Started packing up your silence, while I played another game

I mistook your comfort, comfort, thought no fights meant we were fine

Didn't know your quiet leaving had already crossed the line

You were slipping through my fingers, while I swore I had control

Love was breaking in the background of a life I thought was home

If I listened sooner, I'd still know where you are

I'd still be the reason you believe in us

You were asking for my presence, I gave you reasons why

If I listened sooner, you wouldn't have said goodbye

And now I hear you everywhere, in songs we never finished

In the way the room feels empty, like something's gone missing

I replay every warning, every tear I waved away

Funny how regret gets louder, when love has nothing left to say

I see you smiling in the distance, like you finally feel safe

With someone who hears the words I was too late to say

If I listened sooner, I'd still be your man

I'd still be the answer, instead of who I am

You were speaking from your heart, I was talking through my fear

If I listened sooner, you'd still be here

Now I listen to the silence, every night alone

Learning all the things you said, after you were gone