Fading Polaroid (Soul Version)

(controlled, low, emotional restraint)
I see you like a movie scene
Frozen in a frame that still haunts me
We were a spark that never caught flame
But you set fire to my name

You chose somebody safer to hold
Left me with a story half-told
Now you walk by like I’m not there
Like loving me was just a dare

(build tension)
But every time I see your face
My heart won’t stay in place

(BIG. Open vowels. Belt.)
I’m not in love with you anymore
I’m in love with who you were before
With the boy who looked at me like light
Like I was worth the fight

You’re just a fading Polaroid
A memory I can’t avoid
Cracked and torn but still alive
In the corners of my mind

 (stronger tone)
She got the version I prayed you’d be
I got silence and history
You look right through me when we pass
Like we never had a past

I should’ve said something, should’ve made a sound
But my pride wouldn’t let me break down
Maybe you’re scared or maybe you changed
But I’m done carrying the blame

 (higher, tension)
You don’t get to rewrite the truth
You don’t get to erase my youth

(BIGGER, gospel lift)
I’m not in love with you anymore
I’m in love with who you were before
With the boy who held my hand at night
Like I was worth the fight

You’re just a fading Polaroid
A dream I finally destroyed
I won’t keep you frozen in time
I’m taking back what’s mine

 (strip it down → then explode)
Maybe it wasn’t love…
Maybe it was timing
Maybe I just wanted
Someone to keep choosing me

(beat — then belt)

But I won’t beg for eyes that look away
I won’t shrink just so you can stay
You’re not the man I built in my head
And I won’t love what’s already dead

(full power, choir energy)
I’m not in love with you anymore!
I’m in love with who you were before!
But that boy’s gone and I see it clear
And I won’t keep him here

You’re just a fading Polaroid
And I finally fill the void
I’m not in love with you this time
I’m in love with leaving you behind

 (soft, victorious)
You’re just a picture in my hand
And I’m finally letting it burn to ash

Powerful soulful ballad, dramatic piano, gospel build, strong belts, emotional control rising to explosive climax, male