I'd choose her

[Verse 1]
If I could only
have you here
Just you, that crooked grin
and that chipped blue mug of tea
You’d kick your shoes off
claim my half of the couch
Talk through the movie
like you always do to me

I still set two plates
out of habit
Fold the napkin
on your side
I talk to the television
so it feels less quiet
but it’s not the same
and I still know why

[Pre-Chorus]
We left some words
half-spoken
Door half-closed
hearts half-okay
Now every little silence
sounds like something broken
and all I wanna say

[Chorus]
If I could only have you here
don’t stay away
Just walk right through that open door
I’d find the words I couldn’t say
If I could only have you here
I’d learn how to be brave
Hold your hand and face the fear
Baby, don’t stay away
Don’t stay away

[Verse 2]
I pass our corner café
and they still know your order
They smile and ask me
if you’re running late
I laugh a little too loud
say you’re “out of town”
then stir my cup
till the foam deflates

Your sweater’s on the back of the chair
where you left it
I trace the pattern
like it’s some secret code
Tried packing up your side
of the closet once
but every empty hanger
felt like letting go

[Pre-Chorus]
I hear your key
in every creak
Your name inside
each everyday
I’m tired of being strong
when I’m this weak
so let my stubborn pride
give way

[Chorus]
If I could only have you here
don’t stay away
Just walk right through that open door
I’d find the words I couldn’t say
If I could only have you here
I’d beg for one more day
Lay it all down, crystal clear
Baby, don’t stay away
Don’t stay away

[Bridge]
I rehearsed a thousand versions
of “I’m sorry”
in my head
Different outfits
same confession
standing right where we once stood instead
Would you roll your eyes and kiss me
or turn around
and disappear?
I’d rather risk a shattered heart
than sit alone
year after year

[Chorus]
If I could only have you here
don’t stay away
Just walk right through that open door
I’d find the words I couldn’t say
If I could only have you here
I’d trade my pride today
Lay every broken piece right here
Baby, don’t stay away
Don’t stay away

[Outro]
If I could only
have you here
[barely above a whisper]
If I could only
have you here
One more night
one more “okay”
[held vocal button]
Don’t
stay
away