[72–78 BPM (slow ballad feel)]
[Key: G Major or A Major (warm, emotional register for vocals)]
[Time Signature: 4/4]
[Overall Arc: Starts soft and intimate → builds in the second chorus → full emotional lift in the bridge & final chorus → gentle fade.]
[(Overall Arc: Starts soft and intimate → builds in the second chorus → full emotional lift in the bridge & final chorus → gentle fade.]
[Detailed Section-by-Section Arrangement)
[Intro – 0:00–0:12]
[Instruments:]
[Fingerpicked acoustic guitar (capo 3 for brightness if in G) – warm, open chords
Light pedal steel swells for atmosphere.
Soft brush snare taps on beats 2 and 4]
[Feel: Intimate, almost like you’re sitting right in front of the singer]
[Production Tip: Keep reverb warm and subtle, create a “late-night on the porch” vibe]
[Verse 1 – 0:13–0:42]
[[Lead Vocals: Gentle, breathy, with emotional pauses]
[Instruments:
Acoustic guitar still fingerpicking
Very light upright bass (played with a bow for soft warmth) Fiddle enters quietly halfway through, sustaining long, airy notes]
[Dynamic: Low volume, storyteller tone]
[Backing Vocals: None yet — keep it vulnerable]
[First Chorus – 0:43–1:05]
[Build Begins:]
[Acoustic guitar shifts to soft strumming
Upright bass switches to plucked notes]
[Verse 1]
I’ve been staring at the ceiling. Instead of sheep, I'm counting my heart beats.
Every dream I have somehow leads me right back to where you are
I’ve tried to hide it, Lord knows I’ve tried
But the truth keeps burning like a fire inside
I lay awake at night wondering if you think of me.
Feeling so displaced, I don’t know how to just be.
This love for you needs to be released, so we can love ever so freely.
[Chorus]
Do I wait for the stars to align?
Can’t waste anymore of our time
Before the ship sails, I would love to make you mine
I gotta know, Baby, do you...love me?
’Cause I can’t keep this bottled in
I’m standing right here, heart in my hand
Baby, do you...love me?
[Verse 2]
Every sunset’s got your name painted in the sky
Every song on the radio makes me close my eyes
I can almost feel your touch, hear you call my name
If you feel it too, don’t make me wait
[Chorus]
Do I wait for the stars to align?
Can’t waste anymore of our time
Before the ship sails, I would love to make you mine
I gotta know, Baby, do you...love me?
’Cause I can’t keep this bottled in
I’m standing right here, heart in my hand
Baby, do you...love me?
[Bridge] (soft, almost a whisper)
If there’s even a chance that you feel the same
Don’t let it slip, don’t let it fade away
Love like this don’t come every day
[Chorus – Final, bigger and passionate]
Do I wait for the stars to align?
Can’t waste anymore of our time
Before the ship sails, I would love to make you mine
I gotta know, Baby, do you...love me?
’Cause I can’t keep this bottled in
I’m standing right here, heart in my hand
Baby, do you...love me?
[Outro]
Before the ship sails into the night
Tell me, baby….do you...love me?
HeartMusic2025
