Dragon Strings

[Verse 1]
First time I heard you
Thin bridge
Pale wood
My fingers shook
Your voice didn’t
Silk roads in a single note
Old rain in a sliding tone
You curved my name
Through the air
[Chorus]
Koto
My dragon instrument
Spine of a thousand songs
Every breath in your trembling strings
Is where my heart belongs
Blessed wood
Saving this small world
One quiet
Ringing wave
Koto
The sound I fell in love with
The sound that taught me grace
[Verse 2]
Calluses grew
As the seasons turned
You stitched my days
To your humming curve
I bring you storms
You answer calm
You turn my grief
Into open palms
[Chorus]
Koto
My dragon instrument
Spine of a thousand songs
Every breath in your trembling strings
Is where my heart belongs
Blessed wood
Saving this small world
One quiet
Ringing wave
Koto
The sound I fell in love with
The sound that taught me grace
[Bridge]
If the sky ever splits
If the cities forget how to sing
I will sit by your patient body
Let you hold everything (oh)
[Chorus]
Koto
My dragon instrument
Spine of a thousand songs
Every breath in your trembling strings
Is where my heart belongs
Blessed wood
Saving this small world
One quiet
Ringing wave
Koto
The sound I fell in love with
The sound that still remains

Shimmering koto lead over gentle taiko pulse and warm sub drone; verses intimate and close-mic, chorus blooms with stacked female vocals and airy pads. Subtle shakuhachi phrases answering the vocal, reverb-tail like a temple hall. Final chorus lifts in key, last line drops to near a cappella for a reverent, lingering finish., beautiful, world