could've been

Lyrics

[Intro — roomy reverb] They say stories of past lovers can tell you how someone Breaks a Heart…, You said He left you Starving, Begging for Attention. Never knowing when you’d get Your next Hit of Affection. [Verse 1 — restrained pulse, warm bass] So you changed your mind overnight, Left him there, Blindsided. Now I wonder — Did he just get tired of chasing you too?. . . ‘Cause I made you Feel wanted And Seen. Gave you love by every measure. But when I needed some back, You Cut the Tether. [Pre-Chorus — stacked aching lift] You loved being somebody’s favorite., Loved knowing I choose you., You Loved being Loved— But didn’t Like Loving me too…, [Chorus — effervescent release, perfect harmony] Whyyyyyyyyyyy did you let me believe it!? That it could’ve been you!, ‘Cause I started building Our Fun Little Life, You were just playing house, killing time. . ., Thought I finally found something safe…, [pause for breath] But you were planning the great escape, [sad harmony] Why did you let me believe it… [fermata - take a deep breath] [Verse 2 — pulse builds, jangly guitar] You loved the way that I showed up, Every time you fell apart., I gave you grace beyond measure. But when I needed some back, You called it Pressure…, [Pre-Chorus — gliding Stacked vocals, cheerleader chant, swaying, pop progression] You loved being somebody’s favorite., Loved knowing I choose you., You Loved being Loved— But didn’t Like Loving me too…, [Chorus — effervescent release, perfect harmony] Whyyyyyyyyyyy did you let me believe it!? That it could’ve been you!, ‘Cause I started building Our Fun Little Life, You were just playing house, killing time. . ., Thought I finally found something safe…, [pause for breath] But you were planning the great escape, [sad harmony] Why did you let me believe it… [sad harmony] Whyyyy did you let meeeee… [fermata - take a deep breath] [Verse 3 — reflective, ethereal guitars] We shared our worlds. Learned the quiet parts of each other. You spoke to me in future days, Like there’d always be another. Said I’d make the perfect partner You could build a family with…, Whyyyyyyyyyyy did you let me believe it? [Bridge — half-time, dry spoken-sung] ‘Cause then came August nineteenth… I walked through your front door With a bottle of wine. But you looked at me Like a doctor about to say We’ve run out of time… You said I’m Not the One. [pulse heart beat that sound like bass] …, So, when did you know!? . . . , [Rebuild — breathless narrative, rising toms and bass, energy rising] When you talked baby names with my Mom!? When We made New Year’s plans with yours!? When Province-Town felt like Ours!? When you took me through your childhood doors…, When you sent me pictures of Your-Dream-Wedding-Ring-Or-When You couldn’t WAIT to take my last Name…, [fermata - take a deep breath] [release tension, rapid fire cheerleader chanting vocals] Tell me! When Did “me and you”! Become something Only I Be Leaved Was True!? [Fast, Restrained Trembling vocals / Shaking voice] ‘Cause I’m not mad You changed your mind, I’m mad you felt We were on borrowed Time!, But Kept saying! “next Year” Kept saying! “we Should”, Then left me Empty like your Promises!, [slow back down] Buuuut I shouldn’t be surprised… You kept me off the grid. Your behind-closed-doors Lover. Who only lived in your camera roll…, Kept out of sight..., Frozen in a happier time…, [pretty pristine harmony, gliding swaying rhythm] Safely in the palm of your hand… Collecting Memorieees Selective-leeeee…, ‘Cause it was Never About Forever…, [Sparse piano, aching sustain, piercing vocals, background vocoder harmony] You just Loved Being Treasured. . ., [fermata; one beat silence] [Final Chorus — sad release, crystalline harmony] Whyyyyyyyyyyyy did you let me belieeeeve iiiit… ‘Cause now you’re just the latest, greatest, diss-suh-Pointing heartbreak. ‘Cause you let me feel safe, Then kicked me out of your world. Set our future ablaze! Then said I Lacked the Spark. That would have made you stay? [cheerleader chant] [Outro — rapid fire, higher pitch, echoey, gliding Stacked vocals, cheerleader chant, swaying] But, you were on your Marks Set Ready to go! Hurdling true feelings, Hungry for that second Gold, . . ., Too scared to Let In Something Real. [pretty harmony] It could’ve been You and I… [yearning] It would’ve been So Lucky. [angry] And It shouldn’t’ve ended So Harshly.