Exactly As I Am

Lyrics

[Verse 1] I used to count the ways I came up short Keep a little ledger by the bedroom door Measured every laugh against somebody’s shine Forgot the quiet work that carried me through time [Pre-Chorus] Then I found my name in the things I’d done In the cup I washed, the race I’d run No grand parade, no borrowed proof Just a steady heart telling me the truth [Chorus] I can be here, exactly as I am With my open hands and my unfinished plans I don’t have to earn the air I breathe There is room inside this life for me I can be tender, I can take my time Leave the old accusations far behind Every part I tried to hide Can sit with me tonight [Verse 2] There’s a scar along my thumb from fixing that old chair A silver thread of winter caught inside my hair The kitchen window catches me before the day begins And I’m learning how to greet the face that always let me in [Pre-Chorus] I was waiting for a perfect skin A cleaner past, a different wind But love arrived without a test And put its warm hand on my chest [Chorus] I can be here, exactly as I am With my open hands and my unfinished plans I don’t have to earn the air I breathe There is room inside this life for me I can be tender, I can take my time Leave the old accusations far behind Every part I tried to hide Can sit with me tonight [Bridge] If I bend, I’m not broken If I pause, I’m not behind There are doors I keep reopening To the gentler side of my mind Let the younger me come closer Let the tired one rest awhile I’ve been worthy all along I’m just learning how to smile [Final Chorus] I can be here, exactly as I am With my open hands and my unfinished plans I don’t have to earn the air I breathe There is room inside this life for me I can be tender, I can take my time Leave the old accusations far behind Every part I tried to hide Can sit with me tonight [Outro] Yes, every part I tried to hide Can sit with me tonight I am home inside my life