Phone Calls I Never Made

[Verse 1]

I still got your letters

Folded in a coffee can

Dust on every birthday card

I said I didn't give a damn

I learned how to leave first

So no one walked out on me

Built a little brick wall

Called it "being free"

[Chorus]

I forgive you

Mama

Not 'cause you were right

But 'cause I'm tired

Of carrying this fight

All of the phone calls I never made

All of the words that I saved

I'm laying them down tonight

I forgive you

Mama

So my heart can get it right

[Verse 2]

Heard you got older

Neighbors say you move real slow

Your name on their Sunday list

Someone they should check on

You know

I used to change the station

Every time your hometown played

Now I let that record spin

Let the hurt just fade

[Chorus]

I forgive you

Mama

Not 'cause you were strong

But 'cause I stayed

Angry for too long

All of the phone calls I never made

All of the prayers I delayed

I'm laying them down tonight

I forgive you

Mama

So my heart can get it right

[Bridge]

You did the best that you could

With hands that were always shaking

I learned your broken habits

And called them my own making

I'm not that frightened child

Waiting in the window light

I'm a woman in this mirror

Choosing mercy over spite (oh)

[Chorus]

I forgive you

Mama

Not to let you win

But 'cause I'm ready

To let some light in

All of the phone calls I never made

All of the love I downplayed

I'm laying them down tonight

I forgive you

Mama

So my heart can live tonight