[Verse 1] Cardboard crown Crooked on my head Letters lined up in my shaking hands Gym lights buzzing Squeaky wooden stands You were there in the front row Mouth every word I said Trophy plastic But it felt like gold You wrapped me up in that winter coat Said "Baby That brain of yours could move a mountain" I still taste the hot cocoa Hear your laugh in the hallway fountain [Chorus] Backstage with my mama Spelling out the world in a trembling voice Every little word felt like glory ‘Cause you were my choice and my cheer and my noise Time runs like water Slipping through my fingers while I try to hold on Warm and fuzzy in the glow of that memory But the stage feels colder Now that you’re gone [Verse 2] I blink once And the banners fade That gym’s a parking lot They paved our stage Friends have kids who can spell those words now I get lost in the grocery line Thinking how you’d be proud somehow I miss your calls on a Tuesday night The way you’d say my name just a little too bright Spell “F-A-M-I-L-Y” in my head like a prayer Sometimes I talk to the empty air Pretend you’re still there [Chorus] Backstage with my mama Spelling out the world in a trembling voice Every little word felt like glory ‘Cause you were my choice and my cheer and my noise Time runs like water Slipping through my fingers while I try to hold on Warm and fuzzy in the glow of that memory But the stage feels colder Now that you’re gone [Bridge] L-I-F-E Is a word that’s too short Y-E-A-R-S Disappear like smoke from a porch If I get one more shot At that old gym door (oh) I’d drop the script in my hands And just hold you more [Chorus] Backstage with my mama Spelling out the world in a trembling voice Every little word still feels like glory ‘Cause you’re still my choice and my cheer and my noise Time runs like water But you’re written in every line of my song Warm and fuzzy when I whisper that memory ‘Cause a piece of your heart Keeps carrying me on

folk, Tender folk power ballad with warm acoustic guitars, piano swells, and male vocals. First verse is intimate and close-mic’d, light fingerpicking and soft brushes on a snare. Chorus opens with soaring strings, big tom builds, and stacked harmonies. Bridge pulls back to a hush, then final chorus lifts higher with a key change, crashing cymbals, and a held, emotional last note., warm, ballad

Backstage With My Mama