I was braced
For a gut-shot New Year's Eve
A boat beyond the shipping lanes
Trailing wakeless into spring
That's when I met you on the street

Think back before I even knew your name--
How cold it was to be a room without a flame

By July
All good things around me new
The atlas lied--
My middle west became unglued
Holy terror, little you

Just think back before I even knew your name--
How cold it was to be a room without a flame

When I feel brave you are the song that swells in my head
But bruise the silence with your voice in case I forget

To think back before I even knew your name
How cold it was to be a room without a flame