lifeblood: songs: lyrics: birthday song

mm
mm

i couldn't think of a thing
to write
on your birthday card
considered the poets
but they didn't know
what lay quiet inside my heart
i thought of atlanta
thought of toronto
all of the places we've been
i filled up my tea
and looked into the trees
and still came up empty again

so i guess
the next time you see me
in a world
of partial truths
you will fully believe me
i have nothing to give
except for to live
like the person
you know me to be

i can clean up the kitchen
fold up your clothes
neatly as i am able
wrap a box up with ties
for a surprise
order you flowers for the table
or i could book us a trip
on a plane or ship
i know how much
you love the sun
you could gamble on me
like the lottery
i'll make you feel
like you've won

and i bet
the next time you see me
in a world of partial truths
you will fully believe me
i have nothing to give
except for to live
like the person
you know me to be

life is short
and so on
i'd like to give
you something
to go on
grow on

they recently paved
the walk on our street
we looked at the shiny cement
we stopped the car
ready to carve
our names into permanence
for a moment we're kids
intent on a whim
there is no shadowy past
but even so
the urge is to go
and put something down
that will last

so here goes
the next time
i show up
for you
you will know
and believe

i am ready
to give
ready to live
like the person
you know me to be

words and music by emily saliers