Stone In The River

[Verse 1]
Dad came home with paint on his hands
Boots by the door
Shoulders all bent
Mom at the table
Eyes on the bills
Turning loose change into this rent
Hand‑me‑down coat
But the zipper worked
Lunch in a bag with my name in ink
They laughed in the kitchen
Tired and loud
Taught me we’re richer than we think
[Chorus]
You were my stone in the river
When I was swept out
Pulled from the shore
Every hard year
Every small dinner
You turned that little into so much more
I’m standing here
And I see it now
Every scar you hid behind a joke somehow
You were my stone in the river
Yeah
You’re the reason I don’t sink down
[Verse 2]
Fights in the hallway
Doors that would slam
Words that we’d wish we could take back
But someone always set one plate aside
Saving the best piece from the stack
You missed some sleep so I wouldn’t miss class
Called in favors
Called out of work
I rolled my eyes
Swore I knew it all
Didn’t see your hearts as they hurt
[Chorus]
You were my stone in the river
When I was swept out
Pulled from the shore
Every hard year
Every small dinner
You turned that little into so much more
I’m standing here
And I see it now
Every scar you hid behind a joke somehow
You were my stone in the river
Yeah
You’re the reason I don’t sink down
[Bridge]
Now it’s my name on the mailbox glass
My turn to stay when the storms roll past
Got your faces framed on a crowded wall
Every sacrifice in that frame
So tall
[Chorus]
You were my stone in the river
When I was swept out
Pulled from the shore
Every hard year
Every small dinner
You turned that little into so much more
I’m standing here
And I won’t forget
Every late night
Every unpaid debt
You are my stone in the river
And I’m the life you lifted from the ground

rock, Indie / alt rock with new wave edge, male vocals; chiming chorus‑soaked guitars over a driving, slightly gritty bass; punchy mid‑tempo drums that open up in the chorus with big open hi‑hats and gang “whoa”s; verses stay tight and intimate, chorus hits wide and anthemic with doubled lead vocal and subtle synth pad; bridge strips to bass, drums, and vocal before a final, soaring last hook, new wave, alternative rock, indie rock