The Standard

I believe you when you say you need me,

But I don’t believe it’s love that makes it true.

You reach for the world and all that's in it,

But I’m only flesh and bone; I can't carry that for you.

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I’ve offered all my love, but you don’t see it,

After I’ve been drained dry, it ain’t enough.

I’m just a vehicle for your feelings,

An old truck to see you through when things get rough.

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But that ain’t love, as I understand it,

Ain’t the kindness of a builder’s hand.

With your tether pulled so tight—

You’ll bend me till I break, just because you can.

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You’re waiting for mistakes while I rehearse,

I might sing a bit off-key, but that’s alright,

You say you want devotion, blind and constant,

Someone who can hold you, day and night.

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Well, I ain’t nobody’s saint, nobody’s martyr,

Honey, that’s one thing I can't do.

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‘Cause that ain’t love, as I understand it,

Love ain’t holding someone hostage to your needs.

It ain't sculpting someone cruel when they’re not perfect,

Tearing down their empires, stitch by seam.

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I ain’t craving your attention,

I ain’t trapped, ain’t afraid of letting go.

I've seen darker roads, walked beside the shadows,

Losing you can never be the deepest hurt I know.

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If there’s truth to what we had, then show me something,

Give me reason not to turn and walk away.

Tears or threats or ultimatums can’t move me,

I'm looking for a reason now to stay.

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So I'm open, yeah I'm listening—

Think it over, take some time today.

Think it out in quiet places,

Not with words that litter the way.

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That is love, as I understand it,

Setting a standard within reach,

My walls have crumbled, left behind debris

And these steady hands to stack our dreams.

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That’s the standard of love, as I understand it.