Title: “Since I Was Twelve”

(Verse 1)

I was just a kid with no clue

Walked by a crowd, then I saw you

Didn’t know a handshake could write

A story I’d carry the rest of my life

You laughed when I took things too far

Played the fool, never let down my guard

All those little fights, they fade

But your smile, it still cuts through the grey

(Pre-Chorus)

And I stood by when the sky turned dark

Told myself love don’t leave a mark

But I knew deep down from the very start

You had my heart, you had my heart

(Chorus)

Since I was twelve, I’ve been holdin’ on

To the way you looked when the world felt young

Even through silence, through the years and the pain

I never stopped waiting, I never changed

You were the song I kept to myself

Since I was twelve

(Verse 2)

Middle school drama, late night calls

Hiding your hoodie down the hall

Even when the world shut down

You still lived in every sound

I saw you drift, I watched you go

Said I was fine, but I was hollow

Loved you in ways I couldn’t name

Till I came back never feeling the same

(Pre-Chorus)

I put sports first, thought I’d heal

But wins don’t fix what love can’t seal

And every trophy, every mile

Just made me miss your smile

(Chorus)

Since I was twelve, I’ve been holdin’ on

To the way you looked when the world felt young

Even through silence, through the years and the pain

I never stopped waiting, I never changed

You were the song I kept to myself

Since I was twelve

(Bridge)

College hit like a wave too strong

Laughed with wolves just to get along

But the smoke and lies made me feel small

So I shut the world out, blocked your call

Thought you’d want someone whole, not me

I ran ’cause I felt unworthy

But if you ever wonder why

It’s ’cause I still cry

(Chorus – final)

Since I was twelve, I’ve been holdin’ on

To the day you smiled like the rising sun

Even through distance, through the mess and the shame

My heart still whispers your name

You were the song I kept to myself

Since I was twelve