(Spoken Intro – soft, shaky voice, like a voice memo)
I didn’t give you up…
I gave you a chance…
A life I couldn’t give you yet…
And baby… that broke me.
⸻
(Verse 1 – soft piano begins, slow and emotional)
I held you close in the quiet night
Countin’ breaths, holdin’ on tight
Every little cry, every little sound
Was a piece of heaven I had found
But the world felt heavy in my hands
Like I couldn’t be what you deserved
And love don’t always mean holdin’ on
Sometimes it means it hurts…
⸻
(Pre-Chorus – piano builds slightly)
They say a mother’s love don’t let go
But sometimes love lets the river flow
⸻
(Chorus – fuller sound, emotional peak)
So I laid you down in a river of tears
Prayin’ love would carry you past my fears
Like Moses’ mama, I let you go
Hopin’ someone else could give you more
Every heartbeat screamed “don’t you dare”
But I whispered prayers into the air
If love means losin’ you to save your life
Then I’ll break… so you can rise
⸻
(Verse 2 – add soft guitar)
Your little fingers wrapped in mine
Like you knew this wasn’t goodbye
I kissed your head, memorized your face
Beggin’ God for mercy and grace
Every step away felt wrong
Like I was leavin’ my soul behind
But if your future shines brighter there
Then I’ll walk this dark alone tonight
⸻
(Pre-Chorus – emotional lift)
They don’t see the strength it takes
To let your whole world drift away
⸻
(Chorus – stronger, more pain in voice)
So I laid you down in a river of tears
Prayin’ love would carry you past my fears
Like Moses’ mama, I let you go
Hopin’ someone else could give you more
Every heartbeat screamed “don’t you dare”
But I whispered prayers into the air
If love means losin’ you to save your life
Then I’ll break… so you can rise
⸻
(Bridge – stripped down, almost whisper)
One day you might ask my name
Or wonder why I walked away
Just know my love never left your side
It lives in every tear I cried
I didn’t lose you… I set you free
So you could be who you’re meant to be
⸻
(Final Chorus – emotional, layered vocals)
I laid you down in a river of love
And watched you drift to hands above
Like Moses’ mama, I closed my eyes
And trusted God with your whole life
And even if you don’t remember me
You’re still my heart… you’ll always be
If love means lettin’ you have a chance
Then I’ll carry this… with both hands
⸻
(Outro – soft piano fades)
I didn’t give you up…
I gave you everything I had…
My love.