It's Kinda Criminal
Playing Pretend

VERSE ONE:
I could outrun any other
I've found my way across the line
I’ve been a loser and a winner
At least a half a dozen times
Because no matter what you’re playing
Someone fails and someone wins
And they say that when you've found the right one
That's when real magic begins
*
CHORUS:
And you know, it’s kinda criminal
The way it had to end
And I think it’s kinda criminal
That you could not let me in
I know we both said forever, but forever came and went
And it’s really kinda criminal
The way we play pretend
*
VERSE TWO:
And that’s exactly how it happened, on that dark and and dreary night
I found myself tied to you, like a tethered string and kite
But we were tossed and torn by brutal winds, left to dance across the sky
I vowed that I'd be yours forever, to dance this dance, until I die
*
CHORUS:
And you know, it’s kinda criminal
The way it had to end
And I think it’s kinda criminal
The way you made me beg
I know we both said forever, but forever came and went
And it’s really kinda criminal
The way we play pretend
*
BRIDGE:
I just wish that things were different
Wish we were tangled up in sheets
Instead of drifting like the current
Lost in these dark, cold city streets
Cool again, like changing weather
Like a soft and gentle breeze
Tangled up together, like we were those first few weeks
*
CHORUS:
And you know, it’s kinda criminal
The way it had to end
And I think it’s kinda criminal
The way you made me beg
I know we both said forever, but forever came and went
And it’s really kinda criminal
The way we play pretend
*
VERSE THREE:
The wheels keep on turning
Even when the road gets rough
My heart, it keeps on burning
For the love we could have had
I guess that's how our story goes
I would have planned a better end
But we drew blood on thorns of roses
And tell ourselves that we're content
*
CHORUS:
And you know, it’s kinda criminal
The way it had to end
And I think it’s kinda criminal
That you wouldn't let me in
I know we both said forever, but forever came and went
And it’s really kinda criminal
The way that we pretend
*
OUTRO:
I'll still leave a light on
With the hope, love comes again
Can't kill the sweetest Swan's song
Though it drives me to the edge
If I only keep the light on
Salvations sure to find me here
With the strength that love can build upon
Bringing my true loves, paramour
***
Author's Note:
Love is fickle, fragile and sometimes infuriating, but forever love is almost criminal.
Here's to you finding and holding onto the love that stirs your heart and brings you joy.
But remember, that true love comes from within. You must first love yourself to love another.
*
Dear.....you know who you are,
If I could tear myself wide open and show the workings of my heart. If I could undo all my failures and reveal their fractured parts. Maybe then you'd understand the role that you have played, to make me who I am today, the new me you have made.
If I could thank you with my actions, far beyond where words can go. If I could prove my gratitude and then my thankfulness would show - that I wouldn't be much of anything at all, without your tender redirection when you saved me from the fall.
If you could see into my being and read the thoughts here in my head. If I could show you how I'm better, moving on, from where I've been. Then, you would see newly moved mountains and waterfalls encased with rainbows. If you could see inside and feel the deepest longing of my soul.
If I could grasp hold of forever, and bend back time to suit your needs. I'd gladly give it back, for the many ways you gave to me. The ones given without question; you simply gave all that you had, you always saw the best in me, when all I could see was bad.
If the rhythm of my heart could play a song made just for you, it would highlight all the times you mended my heart with your glue. The melody would reach into the deepest places love can go, blending with perfect lyric building a tempo of our souls.
About the Creator
Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
Telling stories my heart needs to tell <3 life is a journey, not a competition
If you like what you read, feel free to leave a tip, I would love some feedback
Find me on twitter @kelli7958958
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Comments (30)
Congratulations to you
It would be criminal not to give this top story! Congrats on top story!
It’s kinda criminal how often people overlook the little injustices happening around them every day. Not just the big, headline-worthy crimes, but the subtle ones—people taking credit for others’ work, businesses exploiting their employees, or even someone betraying a friend’s trust. We tend to focus on what’s legally wrong while ignoring what’s morally questionable. Maybe the real crime isn’t just breaking the law, but breaking the unspoken rules of fairness and decency. At the end of the day, what’s 'criminal' isn’t always about handcuffs—it’s about conscience. And that’s something no courtroom can truly judge. <a href="https://realestatejot.com/">Read It For More Information!</a>
Congratulations on a well-deserved top story!!🎉🎉🎉
this hit me. right in the feels
Good Written
All I can say after reading this is WOW. You nailed this for anyone who has ever felt like this inside or outside or upside down with love. Congratulations on the Leaderboard and Top Story! 🥳 🥳 🥳
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Oh, wow!! This is fantastic, Kelli! I can tell you're definitely familiar with what makes great and catchy song lyrics. Already got that chorus ingrained in my head to a tune and everything! Congrats!
Kelli, this is quite beautiful and I can hear the melody in my head. I am trying to figure out what artist should sing this song, though, lol, but I can definitely picture this playing on the radio for all to hear. Congratulations on your top story. Oh and this line "But we drew blood on thorns of roses, and tell ourselves that we're content" is wow, just wow!
Nice work. Congrats on TS! I am singing the song now. lol
Such a heartfelt, poignant reflection on love and loss!
Absolutely mesmerizing, Kelli! Would love to hear this sung and to sing along :)
Sadness and loss shared. Heartfelt. Congrats.
This is a winner it’s visceral and it’s very sad, real and catchy
It played out so well in my head! Great entry, Kelli! Congrats!!!
Damn Kelli this is awesome. It is like a piece of you is in every line. Well done and Congratulations
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
This is extraordinary, Kelli! If this were recorded and played on the radio, I would want to hear it again and again. It has hit tune written all over it! Congrats on Top Story! Fantastic entry to the challenge! Good luck!
Back with a YAY! Great to see this gem get some well deserved recognition! Awesome! 💜
Very good work 👏
These are great words, excellent for the challenge
You're a gifted songwriter Kelli! Your song was phenomenally-written! Go girlie Go! 💪🏾🫶🏾💕💖
Bloody brilliant. The kind of criminal refrain is so catchy also!
Well-wrought! Life's a Journey, so, eh... Don't Stop Believin'... Sorry, song theme = dad joke...