Like I Can

[Intro – A Cappella Stack]

High (falsetto): Ooo…
Mid: Mmm…
Low: Yeah…

(pads fade in, tempo ~70 BPM)

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[Verse 1 – Lead (light mid harmony on last line)]

I see the way you smile when you say his name,
But I hear the hurt when things don’t change.
You say you’re fine, say it’s all okay,
But your eyes tell a story you don’t say.

I been the one you call when it’s late,
When you need someone who listens and stays.
I don’t cross lines, I don’t pretend,
I just wonder why you settle again.
Mid (soft): “…settle again…”

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[Pre-Chorus – Build (Lead + Mid, High on endings)]

Lead: I don’t wanna disrespect what you got,
Mid: (same line, lower)
High: “Whatcha got…”

Lead: But I can’t ignore what I feel when we talk,
Mid: (same line)
High: “We taaalk…”

Lead: If you ever question what love should be,
Mid: (same line)
High: “Shooould be…”

Lead: Just know you always had it with me.
All (soft): “With me…”

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[Chorus – FULL 90s STACK]

Lead (Center)

He can’t love you like I can,
He don’t see you the way I do.
He don’t hold you when you break down,
He don’t fight for you like I would.

Harmony Stack
	•	High (Falsetto – Left): “Like I caaaan…” / “The waaay I do…”
	•	Mid (Right): “He can’t love you like I can…”
	•	Low (Center, subtle): “He can’t…” / “Like I can…”

(Hold “like I caaaan” for 2 beats)

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[Verse 2 – Lead (more mid harmony than Verse 1)]

He keep you guessin’, leave you unsure,
I’d be consistent, steady, and sure.
You shouldn’t have to ask for time,
Or wonder if you’re still on his mind.

I know it’s hard when your heart involved,
I know it’s scary to change it all.
But every time you need what’s real,
You end up here ‘cause you know how I feel.
Mid: “…how I feel…”

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[Pre-Chorus – Stronger Build]

Lead: I won’t rush your heart or force a plan,
Mid: (same)
High: “A plaaaan…”

Lead: I respect the space you’re standin’ in,
Mid: (same)
High: “Staandin’ iiin…”

Lead: But if you ever choose to walk away,
Mid: (same)
High: “Awaaay…”

Lead: I’ll be right here lovin’ you my way.
Low (warm): “My waaay…”

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[Chorus – BIGGER STACK]

He can’t love you like I can,
He don’t see you the way I do.
He don’t hold you when you break down,
He don’t fight for you like I would.

High: “Like I caaaan…”
Mid: “He can’t looove you…”
Low: “He caaaan’t…”

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[Bridge – 90s Breakdown]

(Lead solo at first)
I’m not sayin’ he’s a bad man,
I’m just sayin’ I know who I am.

(Harmonies fade in)
Mid: “Who I aaam…”
High: “Ohhh…”

If you choose him, I’ll step aside,
But I won’t lie ‘bout what’s inside.
Low: “Inside…”

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[Key Change – Half Step Up] (Classic 90s)

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[Final Chorus – MAX STACK]

Lead

He can’t love you like I can,
With the patience and the truth.
He don’t cherish every part of you,
The way I always do.

Harmony Wall
	•	High: “Like I caaaan…”
	•	Mid: “He can’t looove you…”
	•	Low: “He can’t…”

(Hold final “like I caaaan” for 3 bars)

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[Outro – Harmonies Only]

High: Ooo…
Mid: Mmm…
Low: Yeah…

(fade out)

R&B