[Verse 1] Coffee gone cold on the counter Phone on the table Face down Scroll past the news and the numbers Praying your name never shows in a headline Dog’s at the door every evening Thinks every engine out front is you I laugh a little so I don’t cry Say “He’ll be home soon” like I know that it’s true [Chorus] I’m counting down the days The days The days To your boots by my bed and your keys on the table Holding my breath with every call you make Trying to be brave But I’m tired and I’m grateful Yeah I’m proud of the flag on your sleeve But I miss the way you lean on me I’m counting down the days The days The days Till you’re back in my arms again [Verse 2] Your hoodie still hangs on the closet Smells like your cologne and summer rain I talk to your pictures at midnight Tell you the little things about my day Your letters live under my pillow Ink a little smudged from my tears You say “Baby I’m good Keep your chin up” But the spaces between your words are my fears [Chorus] I’m counting down the days The days The days To your boots by my bed and your keys on the table Holding my breath with every call you make Trying to be brave But I’m tired and I’m grateful Yeah I’m proud of the flag on your sleeve But I miss the way you lean on me I’m counting down the days The days The days Till you’re back in my arms again [Bridge] Some nights I swear I hear you Laughing in the kitchen (hey) Reach for the light It’s just me and the dishes I trace your name on the window glass Fog from my breathing Promise I’ll be here You come back to me [Chorus] I’m counting down the days The days The days To your boots by my bed and your keys on the table Holding my breath with every call you make Trying to be brave But I’m tired and I’m grateful Yeah I’m proud of the flag on your sleeve But more than anything I just need To stop counting down the days The days The days And start counting all our nights again

Warm acoustic pop ballad, fingerpicked guitar and soft piano under intimate female vocals. Verses stay close and confessional, light pads in the background; chorus swells with layered harmonies and subtle toms for a heartbeat feel. Bridge strips back to near a cappella, then everything blooms for the final hook, leaving a lingering tail of reverb on the last word.

Counting Down the Days