Oh… this one will be soft.

[Intro – gentle piano arpeggios, faint string hum] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 1 – quiet close-mic vocal, soft piano chords] I was small enough to fit inside your arms The world was big, but I was never scared You held my hands through every storm And somehow love was always there You taught me how to say I’m sorry You showed me how to stand up tall You gave me roots that held me steady And wings to rise above it all [Pre-Chorus – subtle string swell, piano becomes slightly fuller] If I shine, it’s your reflection If I’m brave, it’s what you gave Every good thing growing in me Was planted by the love you made [Chorus – warm layered strings, vocal opens with gentle vulnerability] Because of you, I learned to dream To believe in things unseen To hold my heart with open hands And still know who I am Because of you, I’m standing strong Even when the nights are long Every step I take, I do With love that started… because of you [Verse 2 – soft cello undercurrent, vocal gains quiet warmth] You saw the good before I saw it You called me strong before I knew When I stumbled, when I doubted You said, “There’s nothing you can’t do.” Through scraped knees and broken moments Through teenage tears and grown-up fears Your quiet faith became my compass Your steady voice still lives in here [Pre-Chorus 2 – rising string melody, piano builds softly] If I shine, it’s your reflection If I’m brave, it’s what you gave Every good thing growing in me Was planted by the love you made [Chorus 2 – fuller string arrangement, vocal swells with gentle emotion] Because of you, I learned to dream To believe in things unseen To hold my heart with open hands And still know who I am Because of you, I’m standing strong Even when the nights are long Every step I take, I do With love that started… because of you [Bridge – whisper-soft vocal, minimal piano, faint string harmonies] If I ever lose my way If the world feels cold and grey I close my eyes… And I hear you say — “You are loved You are enough You are braver than you think And stronger than the tough.” [Final Chorus – full string section, vocal lifts with tender strength] Because of you, I carry light In my heart through every fight The kindness in the things I do Is a mirror back to you And if one day I have a child I’ll love them just the way you did And pass along the greatest gift — A home inside their heart to live Because of you… I am me. [Outro – soft layered vocal harmonies, fading piano and strings] Because of you… I am me… Because of you… I am me…