[Verse 1]
Found your little folder
Tucked behind my X-rays
Dear
Dates and flights and flowers
Right beside my worst fear
You practiced crying in the bathroom
I heard you through the door
You rehearsed how you would miss me
While you held him like you held me before
[Chorus]
After I’m gone
You think you’ll dance in the dark with him
Wear my ring
Spend my savings
Wash my name from your guilty skin
But I’ve been writing my own script
Line by line
Nice and slow
After I’m gone
You’ll follow
Down to the place I go
[Verse 2]
He signs his name with hearts
On the back of your receipts
I traced those crooked letters
Felt my pulse skip then freeze
You called him your “forever”
Thought the Lord would make it right
I called my lawyer Monday
Changed forever overnight
[Chorus]
After I’m gone
You think you’ll dance in the dark with him
Wear my dress in the mirror
Practice vows with that crooked grin
But I’ve been writing my own script
Line by line
Nice and slow
After I’m gone
You’ll follow
Down to the place I go
[Bridge]
[Band drops to a low
Narrow groove]
I left your name on every page
Signed you in with every sin
Doctor
Preacher
Judge and banker
All know where your trail’s been
You planned a life on my last breath
Baby
That’s a heavy debt
When they come knocking at your door
I’ll be the shadow you can’t forget (hey)
[Chorus]
After I’m gone
You won’t dance in the dark with him
You’ll count days by the ceiling cracks
Taste my anger on your lips again
‘Cause I’ve been writing my own script
Line by line
Nice and slow
After I’m gone
You’ll follow
Down to the place I go
[Outro]
So pour a drink for the widow
She’s already dead in your eyes
But the ghost you tried to bury
Is the one that watched you lie