I'll Keep the Quiet

[Verse 1]

You left your blue coat on the kitchen chair

Rain in the cuffs, cold air in your hair

I found your note by the chipped white plate

“Don’t wait up”—you were already late

The kettle clicked, the clock kept time

I drew one line through your name, then mine

But morning came with the same old view

And every small thing pointed back to you

[Chorus]

I let the door close, let the whole room breathe

Said what I meant, then I let you leave

If you come back, come back as you are

No borrowed promises, no moving the mark

I’m not a villain, you’re not a prize

We both got tired of rehearsing our lines

So take the blue coat, take the keys

I’ll keep the quiet, you keep your peace

[Verse 2]

Your sister called from the bus-stop line

Said you got work and you’re doing fine

I almost asked if you still make that tea

Then swallowed the question and let her be

I boxed your books with the spines all straight

Found our old map with the coffee stain

We circled the coast in a borrowed car

Got lost twice and still made it far

[Chorus]

I let the door close, let the whole room breathe

Said what I meant, then I let you leave

If you come back, come back as you are

No borrowed promises, no moving the mark

I’m not a villain, you’re not a prize

We both got tired of rehearsing our lines

So take the blue coat, take the keys

I’ll keep the quiet, you keep your peace

[Bridge]

Maybe someday we’ll laugh at the map

At the wrong turns and the flat spare tire

But tonight I won’t call you back

Some goodbyes don’t need one more line

[Final Chorus]

I let the door close, let the whole room breathe

Said what I meant, then I let you leave

If you come back, come back as you are

No borrowed promises, no moving the mark

I’m not a villain, you’re not a prize

We both got tired of rehearsing our lines

So take the blue coat, take the keys

I’ll keep the quiet, you keep your peace

[Outro]

I’ll keep the quiet, you keep your peace