[Syncopated Acoustic Guitar]

[Verse 1]
Once again, the night is calm and I sink deep
You bear shadows on your back, I just watch and keep
Hiding here in my old shell,
But in your eyes I see the sadness start to swell
And something in me wants to reach for you

[Pre-Chorus]
“I want to be strong,” you whisper like a sigh
Wear a heavy armor, but it fits too wide
In a world that broke you down, you try to fight
I’ll stay with you now, I won’t leave tonight

[Chorus]
So lay down your weight, you don’t have to pretend
You don’t have to force yourself to fight or defend
I will be here, I’ll keep you close and whole
You don’t need a new face
Right here is your safe place

[Verse 2]
I can hear it in your voice, a trembling secret
Like a wounded bird that dreams of flying yet
But would that mask bring you peace?
Or just layer silent burdens that never cease?

[Pre-Chorus]
I am not him, no, I’ll never be that man
But I’ll be the one who holds your reaching hand
Maybe strength’s not armor, but a soft embrace—
Just a quiet warmth, in this tender place

[Chorus]
So lay down your weight, you don’t have to pretend
You don’t have to force yourself to fight or defend
I will be here, I’ll keep you close and whole
You don’t need a new face
Right here is your safe place

[Bridge]
In this silence shared, our fingertips entwine
Stars fall from the sky, I feel our words align
If courage is a question, answers don’t have to be clear
I will hold you here; this is your safe sphere

[Chorus]
So lay down your weight, you don’t have to pretend
You don’t have to force yourself to fight or defend
I will be here, I’ll keep you close and whole
You don’t need a new face
Right here is your safe place