[Verse 1]
Mom sent a text
“Call when you can”
I left it on read
Staring at my hands
Plastic reindeer
Blinking at my door
Half-lit string
On a crooked porch
Group chat jumping
“Ugly sweater, pull up”
I type “maybe”
Then I ghost, log off
Snow on the window
Cold on the phone
It’s Christmas time
But I’m still alone
[Pre-Chorus]
I hear people laughing through the paper walls
Netflix talking like it knows it all
I keep scrolling like I might feel known
But every new face feels like a clone
[Chorus]
Christmas time but I’m still alone
Whole world shining while I walk home
Everybody posting like they found hope
Tree by the window, I can’t get close
Christmas time but I’m still alone
Echo in the kitchen, one plate, one phone
If joy’s outside, it missed my zone
It’s Christmas time but I’m still alone
[Verse 2]
Microwave dinner
Plastic on the tray
Steam on my glasses
Fogging up the day
“Are you coming Sunday?”
Voicemail from my dad
His voice breaking
Trying not to nag
I could hit dial
I could book that flight
But grief’s heavy
On a carry-on life
I wrap my fears
In an old coat sleeve
Say “I’m fine”
So they can believe
[Pre-Chorus]
I hear people singing on the TV choir
Perfect teeth, perfect love on fire
Mute that channel, let the room grow low
Talk to the ceiling like it might know
[Chorus]
Christmas time but I’m still alone
Whole world shining while I walk home
Everybody posting like they found hope
Tree by the window, I can’t get close
Christmas time but I’m still alone
Echo in the kitchen, one plate, one phone
If joy’s outside, it missed my zone
It’s Christmas time but I’m still alone
[Bridge]
[low vocal register]
If I say “I’m lonely” will it make it real?
If I say “I’m hurting” will it help me heal?
If I light this candle for the ones now gone
Can a small, soft flame hold a whole night long?
[whispered vocals]
Maybe next year I’ll stay on the line
Maybe next year I’ll show up on time
Maybe tonight I just breathe, just cope
Tiny crack in the dark, call it hope
[Chorus]