02 - All But Gone


[Verse 1]
I showed up early, stayed too late,
Fixed the fence, passed the plate.
Called when nobody called me back,
Carried weight ‘til I slipped a crack.

They say “we’re family,” say “we’re tight,”
But they don’t check in when I ain’t right.
I gave my best to every name—
But no one stayed, and none remained.

[Chorus]
I’m all but gone—
Still standin’ here, still playin' strong,
Still sayin’ yes when it feels all wrong.
I’m bones and heart, worn down thin,
Tired of startin’ where they end.
A man can only give so long—
Before he’s all but gone.

[Verse 2]
I learned to listen, learned to bend,
Held the line when they let go again.
Applause fades fast, and praise runs cold,
When you’re not the story folks want told.

I don’t need medals, I don’t want fame—
Just someone else who stays in the rain.
But I’m the last one holdin’ rope,
While everyone else lets go of hope.

[Chorus]
I’m all but gone—
Still showin’ up, still playin' the part,
Still takin’ hits with an open heart.
I’ve given time, I’ve given grace,
To empty rooms and turnin’ faces.
But even light don’t always dawn—
And I’m all but gone.

[Bridge] (soft and broken)
I used to think love meant holdin’ tight,
But now I see it means showin’ up right.
And I can’t be the only one who stays—
When no one else is on the way.

[Final Chorus – stripped back, resigned]
I’m all but gone—
Still breathin’ air, still singin’ through,
But it’s hard to fight when it’s only you.
I ain’t bitter, just worn clean through—
Built too many bridges no one walked to.
So if you ask what broke me down…
I’m still here—
But I’m all but gone.