[Verse 1] Missed your first word Didn’t hear that small laugh Only knew you from pictures On some stranger’s wall I was stuck in my storms You grew up through the rain Every birthday I counted Every candle Every age [Pre-Chorus] I kept your names in my prayers Every night Every night Even when I felt so empty You were my quiet light (oh) [Chorus] Even when you weren’t with me You were the light through my darkest days Every wrong turn that I took I dreamed you’d walk a different way My love don’t ask you to choose My love don’t keep any score I just want you better than me Stronger Kinder Loved even more My love is unconditional That’s what I was fighting for [Verse 2] I replay all the “what ifs” Like a movie stuck on pause Could’ve held you on Sundays Instead of running from my flaws You don’t owe me your story You don’t owe me your time But if you ever feel broken I’ll be standing on your side [Pre-Chorus] You were hope in my shadows Every step Every fall I was down on the bottom Still I saved you all my heart [Chorus] Even when you weren’t with me You were the light through my darkest days Every wrong turn that I took I prayed you’d find a safer way My love don’t bargain or beg My love don’t shut any door I just want you better than me Laughing louder Hurting less than before My love is unconditional That’s what I was reaching for [Bridge] If you hate my mistakes I understand that You can lay it all down I can take that I can take that (yeah) If “hello” comes late I will still say your name Like it’s always been home Like it never once changed [Chorus] Even when you weren’t with me You were the light through my darkest days Every scar that I carried I hoped you’d never see that pain My love ain’t asking you back My love just waits on your call I just want you better than me Stand up taller Never feel small My love is unconditional I’ll be here through it all (through it all)

Warm, modern R&B ballad with male vocals; gentle electric piano and soft fingerstyle guitar form the core, deep sub-bass hugging the low end. Verses stay intimate and close-mic’d, subtle vinyl crackle and rimshot groove. Chorus opens with lush stacked harmonies, airy pads, and a wider stereo field, then drops back for a confessional bridge with just keys and voice. Slow burn uplift in the final chorus, ad-libs soaring over a tasteful gospel-tinged choir pad., r&b, light

Better Than Me