Beside Me in the Portrait

I tried to listen to what you had to say
I stayed in my seat for the entire show
But the music swelled and I drifted away
Well past the horizon by the credits roll

I reached for the place where I remember you are
But my hands fell back to my guitar
I didn't want this but to my own self I am true
And if I couldn't be honest with me
I wouldn't be much good to you

I stood face to face with you
On a planet that circled a fairer sun
I sung the constant note in dulcet
And rounded the figures to a fairer sum

Unfolding the blossom to the bitter bud
Drowning paper tigers in a glass of wine
I stitched your cuts but shied away
When you looked my needle in the eye

In my days in the dark I somehow obscured your light
Somewhere along the way I learned to wear it
But you wore me so thin before you could shine
In hopes that I'd become transparent

Playing close to my chest, I bet only what I could lose
And you wagered everything on a pair of twos
I remember you fondly now
Those years were never forfeit
You will always be with me
Beside me in the portrait

I stood face to face with you
On a planet that circled a fairer sun
I sung the constant note in dulcet
And rounded the figures to a fairer sum

I stood back to back with you
In each of our hands, a loaded gun
I lied through my teeth for you
Because I know one and one cannot make one