Sleep in an Empty Room

[Verse 1]

I left your blue mug by the sink

Though you moved out last Thursday

The handle points toward where you stood

Like it still knows what to say

I found your list beneath the bills

Three things you meant to buy

A loaf of bread, a train ticket

And one more chance to try

[Pre-Chorus]

I keep the door on the latch

I keep your number in my phone

Not because I think you’re coming back

I just hate being wrong alone

[Chorus]

If I could carry the weight for you

I would, though it broke my spine

I’d take the words I threw like stones

And give you softer ones this time

But love can leave without a sound

And still undo a life

So I’ll learn to sleep in an empty room

And call that surviving tonight

[Verse 2]

Your coat still gathers dust upstairs

Beside the winter shoes

I tried to fold it into a box

But every sleeve looked like you

The neighbor asked if you were well

I said, “I think she is”

Then walked three blocks past our old café

To avoid explaining this

[Pre-Chorus]

I know the truth is not a door

I know regret won’t let me through

But every quiet hour asks me

What I should have given you

[Chorus]

If I could carry the weight for you

I would, though it broke my spine

I’d take the words I threw like stones

And give you softer ones this time

But love can leave without a sound

And still undo a life

So I’ll learn to sleep in an empty room

And call that surviving tonight

[Bridge]

Maybe somewhere you are laughing

With the windows open wide

Maybe someone says your name

And you don’t have to look aside

I hope he sees the careful parts

I was too proud to understand

I hope you never have to shrink

To fit inside another man

[Final Chorus]

If I could carry the weight for you

I would, but you’re already free

The hardest truth I’ve ever held

Is you got better without me

And love can leave without a sound

Still echoing through my life

So I’ll learn to sleep in an empty room

And let the morning in tonight

[Outro]

I left your blue mug by the sink

Tomorrow I’ll put it away