[Verse 1]
Boots by the doorway
You never took them off for me
Grease on your knuckles
But your hands never reached my cheek
I wore your last name
Like armor two sizes too big
Hung every word you dropped
Like medals I never did win
[Chorus]
I built a throne in your shadow
Crowned you king of a broken home
Carved my heart in your image
But you never carved my name in stone
I kept my wounds where you’d see them
Still you stare straight through my skin
I’d burn this throne in your shadow
Just to feel you call me “son” again
[Verse 2]
I learned your temper
Before I ever learned to shave
You praised every stranger
But my triumphs went to waste
I’d fracture to fit
Inside the stories that you told
You raised your glass to everyone
But left my chair cold
[Chorus]
I built a throne in your shadow
Crowned you king of a broken home
Carved my heart in your image
But you never carved my name in stone
I kept my wounds where you’d see them
Still you stare straight through my skin
I’d burn this throne in your shadow
Just to feel you call me “son” again
[Bridge]
You’re the storm in my mirror (hey!)
I’m the crack in your frame
Chasing crumbs of your approval
Like they’re diamonds in the drain
I know I’ll die an orphan
With your blood in my veins
I’m the echo of your footsteps
You’re the one who never came
[Chorus]
I built a throne in your shadow
Crowned you king of a broken home
Carved my heart in your image
But you never carved my name in stone
I kept my wounds where you’d see them
Still you stare straight through my skin
I’ll tear this throne from your shadow
Let the ashes cleanse my name
You were never there to claim me
But I’ll be more than your shame