Close Enough to Forever

[Verse 1]
We were kids on rusted swings
Scraped-up knees and secret things
You knew every crack in my facade
Every scar I tried to hide
You laughed harder when I fell
You were there
I know you well
Now your eyes stay on me a beat too long
And it feels like I'm the one that's wrong
[Chorus]
I can't be what you want
But I'll be what I can
I'll stand in your corner
As your almost man
You say that you love me
In a way I can't return
But I'm not walking away
I hope you know that
I hope you know that
I love you in my own way
And I'll stay
I'll stay
[Verse 2]
You said it in the quiet car
Parked out back under fading stars
Hands shaking as you searched my face
For a door I couldn't make
I heard my own heart crack in two
One half mine
The other you
I pulled you in
But not the way you dreamed
Still I meant it more than it might seem
[Chorus]
I can't be what you want
But I'll be what I can
I'll stand in your corner
As your almost man
You say that you love me
In a way I can't return
But I'm not walking away
I hope you know that
I hope you know that
I love you in my own way
And I'll stay
I'll stay
[Bridge]
If there was a word
For love that doesn't fit
Into boxes
Into stories
Into how they picture it
I'd write it on your wrist
So you'd never have to ask
Am I losing you at last
(you’re not losing me)
[Chorus]
I can't be what you want
But I'll be what I can
I'll stand in your corner
All my life if I must
You say that you love me
In a way I can't return
But I'm not walking away
I hope you know that
I hope you know that
I love you in my own way
And I'll stay
I'll stay
[Outro]
So if your heart breaks
Let it break on my shoulder
We may not grow closer
But we'll never grow colder
You are still my best friend
Through the joy and through the ache
I can't be your forever
But I’ll stay for all our days

Melancholic indie-pop ballad with a lyrical trumpet lead weaving around intimate male vocals; soft piano and brushed drums set a fragile pulse that swells into a hopeful, cinematic chorus. Subtle strings join in the second half, trumpet takes a bittersweet countermelody on the final chorus, ending on a held, glowing chord that lingers in the air., uplifting, sad