Ledger Beneath the Tea

Lyrics

[Intro] The ledger stays folded beneath the tea One name, one number, one way out for me [Verse 1] You slid the envelope under the door I counted twice, then I counted no more A borrowed coat, a rented room A quiet promise sealed in perfume I told myself it was work, nothing deep Then learned how a secret can ruin your sleep The first time changed every room I walked through The money felt clean till it carried their view [Chorus] Paid by the name, paid by the night I tell myself I made the choice right New keys, new clothes, old fear in my chest I bought me a life, but it won't let me rest [Verse 2] Now there’s a table with a place set for two A view from the window, a better suit Still when the phone rings, I look at the door Still hear the steps from the hall before You call it a fortune, I call it a trade Every bright thing has a price that I paid I keep that old ledger beneath the tea A map of the man I thought I could be [Chorus] Paid by the name, paid by the night I tell myself I made the choice right New keys, new clothes, old fear in my chest I bought me a life, but it won't let me rest [Outro] The ledger stays folded beneath the tea The house is all mine; the quiet owns me