[Verse 1]
White walls
Late shift
But this time it was home
Chart notes on the counter
Your pill cup by the phone
Gloves on my hands
As I fixed your sheet
Trying not to tremble
Standing at your feet
[Chorus]
Was I your nurse or your son?
Did I hold too tight
Or not enough?
All those vital signs and numbers
When I should’ve just been love
If I could go back
Even once
I’d let the clipboard hit the floor
Be your boy again
Not the brave one
Just my head against your door
[Verse 2]
You said
“You know what to do”
With that small
Tired smile
I hid in my training
So I would not cry
Checking your breathing
Like strangers do
But every quiet heartbeat
Was whispering
“It’s you”
[Chorus]
Was I your nurse or your son?
Did I hold too tight
Or not enough?
All those vital signs and numbers
When I should’ve just been love
If I could go back
Even once
I’d let the clipboard hit the floor
Be your boy again
Not the brave one
Just my head against your door
[Bridge]
I miss your laugh
The way you’d say my name
You trusted my hands
More than I ever can
So if there’s peace
On the other side
Tell me you knew
I was yours the whole time
[Chorus]
I was your nurse and your son
I held too tight
But it was love
Past the vital signs and numbers
You were more than any chart could sum
If I could go back
Even once
I’d still walk through every storm
Be your boy again
Be the brave one
Arms around you
That’s my only form
[Outro]
Strong woman
Soft hands
You taught me how it’s done
In every life I’ll ever live
I’ll be proud to be your son