I Can't

This ain't the life I thought I'd live

This ain't the home I'd hoped we'd make

This ain't the path I thought I chose

This ain't the sky I'd hoped we'd see

This ain't the tree I thought would grow

This ain't the god to which I pray

This ain't the song I thought I'd write

These ain't the words I want to say

But I can't be your man

This ain't the flag I thought we'd raise

This ain't the wind I'd hoped would blow

This ain't the ship I thought would sail

This ain't the rose I'd hoped would bloom

This ain't the play I thought we'd stage

These ain't the hills I'd hoped we'd roam

This ain't the sword pulled from the lake

Yours ain't the heart I want to break

But I can't be your man

This ain't the end I thought it'd be

Are you someone I've loved before?

In this the song the caged bird sings?

Is there some law I choose to ignore?

This is a faith I must defend

I've tried, I can't pretend

There is a hope I must contend

We'll find the thread with the strength to mend

But I can't be your man

Least not this time around

And it's something unpredictable

Like where a leaf might fall

And it's something unrestrainable

Like a rooster's morning call

I can't be your man