Strongest One I Know

[Verse 1]
I saw you fold your hands
At that kitchen table
Eyes on the doorway
Heart still trying to be faithful
He never said “I’m sorry”
He never said “I care”
Just kept packing up his anger
Like we weren’t standing there
[Chorus]
But that’s what makes you the strongest
You stayed when the storm rolled through
Holding every broken piece
Like it was something new
He said he would leave you
You stayed and you helped me grow
Mom
When everything fell apart
You were the strongest one I know
[Verse 2]
I watched you tape the boxes
Then take the tape back off
Saying “we’ll be fine
You’ll see”
While you tried to hide the cost
He never said “I love you”
Not in the way you deserved
But you taught me what love is
By giving me your world
[Chorus]
‘Cause that’s what makes you the strongest
You stayed when the storm rolled through
Holding every broken piece
Like it was something new
He said he would leave you
You stayed and you helped me grow
Mom
When everything fell apart
You were the strongest one I know
[Bridge]
All those nights you thought I slept
I heard every quiet cry
Now I carry all your courage
In the way I say goodbye
You showed me how to stand
When it hurts to stand at all
I’m here
I see you
I’m with you
You never let me fall
[Chorus]
That’s what makes you the strongest
You stayed when the storm rolled through
Turned an empty
Quiet house
Into a home for two
He said he would leave you
But love stayed and it made us grow
Mom
For all the times you broke
You’re still the strongest one I know
(yeah, you’re the strongest one I know)

Warm piano ballad with intimate female vocals; verses stay close and hushed over sparse keys and light pads, then chorus blooms with subtle strings and stacked harmonies. Gentle rhythmic pulse from soft toms and finger snaps, last chorus lifts with higher register ad-libs and a lingering piano outro.