The Way You Loved Me

[Verse 1]
You used to call me
Just to ask how my day went
I rolled my eyes
Changed the subject
Pushed your patience to the edge
You brought me flowers
I left them dying on the chair
Said I needed “something different”
You were standing
Always there
[Chorus]
I never knew love ’til I had you
Didn’t feel the truth ’til I lost you
You were holding me so gentle
I was breaking what was special
Now these sheets stay cold beside me
Wish your name would light my phone screen
I never knew love like the way you loved me
The way you loved me
[Verse 2]
You tried to warn me
Said my words cut like a blade
I laughed it off
Called you fragile
Drowned you out with all my pride
You packed your suitcase
Softest “goodbye” that I’ve heard
Thought you’d circle back by Sunday
You kept walking
Kept your word
[Chorus]
I never knew love ’til I had you
Didn’t feel the truth ’til I lost you
You were holding me so gentle
I was breaking what was special
Now these sheets stay cold beside me
Wish your name would light my phone screen
I never knew love like the way you loved me
The way you loved me
[Bridge]
Every “sorry” that I saved
Comes too late
Just echoes in this place (oh)
Got your sweater in my closet
Smells like you
I almost lose it
If you hear this in the dark
Know I’m guarding what I should’ve guarded then
You were rare and I was careless
I would choose you once again
[Chorus]
I never knew love ’til I had you
Didn’t feel the truth ’til I lost you
You were holding me so gentle
I was breaking what was special
Now my heart calls out in silence
Learning how to live with distance
I never knew love like the way you loved me
The way you loved me (oh)
The way you loved me

Slow-burning R&B ballad with female vocals over warm Rhodes keys, round sub-bass, and crisp but understated drums; verses intimate and conversational in near-whisper tone, chorus opens with layered harmonies and airy pads, bridge strips back to keys and vocal runs before a final, emotional chorus lift, female vocals, r&b