Verse 1

The lights don’t dim, they just hum low
Like they’re waiting for the next name
Coffee tastes like yesterday
But I drink it just the same
I know the sound of every footstep
Before it hits the floor
I can tell who’s bleeding by the way
They reach for the door

Pre-Chorus

I’ve got answers folded in my sleeves
Bandages in every word
If you’re hurting, you’ll find me here
I’ve already heard

Chorus

This is an emergency room that never closes
White lights burning through the night
I don’t clock out, I don’t turn anyone away
If you’re breaking, you’re my priority
I’ve learned how to stay upright
Yeah, I run an emergency room
That never closes

Verse 2

I speak fluent panic, quiet dread
I can read it in your face
I know the difference between a wound that screams
And one that just waits
I’ve got hands that don’t shake anymore
Even when they should
I tell myself, This is what I’m for
And that feels almost good

Pre-Chorus 2

They say, “You should get some rest”
I say, “Just one more thing”
The waiting room keeps filling up
And they all know my name

Chorus

This is an emergency room that never closes
Sirens echo in my chest
I don’t ask how it started
I just stop the bleeding as best I can
I don’t triage, I don’t assess
I run an emergency room
That never closes

Bridge

Somewhere there’s a night shift ending
Somewhere lights go out
Somewhere people leave their work at work
I wouldn’t know how

Final Chorus

This is an emergency room that never closes
No sign on the door that says “enough”
If you’re hurting, I will stay with you
Even when staying gets rough
I don’t remember when I learned
That leaving wasn’t an option
I run an emergency room
That never closes

Outro

The lights are still on…
I think they always were.