Leave the Gate Open

Leave the Gate Open

Verse 1

I grew up learning what a closed door does,

How silence sometimes passes for love.

Fence lines high, hearts pulled tight,

Learned real quick how to read the night.

I don’t curse the ground that made my name,

But I won’t plant the same old pain.

Pre-Chorus

I ain’t flawless, just awake,

Tired of hand-me-down mistakes.

Chorus

If hurt runs deep through family trees,

Then let it stop when it gets to me.

I’ll build it strong, I’ll build it free,

I’ll leave the gate open — but it ends with me.

You can come home, you can stay awhile,

Just don’t bring the ghosts that cost us miles.

I’ll leave the gate open — come what may,

But the hurt don’t get to stay.

Verse 2

Someday kids in a gravel drive,

Barefoot laughs, porch light alive.

A dog asleep where the screen door sings,

Heaven shows up in ordinary things.

I’ll teach ‘em work, I’ll teach ‘em grace,

How to stand firm and still make space.

Pre-Chorus

I won’t raise ‘em on fear or pride,

I’ll teach ‘em truth without choosing sides.

Chorus

If hurt runs deep through family trees,

Then let it stop when it gets to me.

I’ll build it strong, I’ll build it free,

I’ll leave the gate open — but it ends with me.

You can come home, you can stay awhile,

Just don’t bring the ghosts that cost us miles.

I’ll leave the gate open — come what may,

But the hurt don’t get to stay.

Bridge (drop instruments, raw)

Grace ain’t weak, it just waits,

Love don’t lock what it can save.

I learned forgiveness ain’t forgetting,

It’s choosing peace without pretending.

Final Chorus (full band back in, lift)

If pain runs deep through family trees,

Then let it stop when it gets to me.

I’ll build a life where hearts are free,

I’ll leave the gate open — but it ends with me.

You can knock once, you don’t have to plead,

There’s room at the table, there’s space to breathe.

I’ll leave the gate open — night or day,

But the cycle don’t get to stay.

Outro (soft, resolve)

I can’t change what came before,

But I can choose what comes through the door.

The road runs long, the ground feels new,

I’ll walk it right — that’s what I’ll do.