What I Had to Change

To be with you I had to change

The way I spoke and listened

Some of this was for the best

I learned what healed and blistered

Some of this was just control

Your chains piercing my tongue

To disagree was an attack

You'd hit back before long

To be with you I had to change

The way I thought of caring

A half smile is enough for some

But perhaps I'm more daring

I'd rather hold and be held back

Than stand alone and watch

I'd rather take a chance and try

Even if the try is botched

To be with you I had to change

The way I understood

Cutting words were never meant

Unless the cut was good

Or so you said and twisted things

Until the world confused me

I thought I was the problem

Til others pointed out you'd used me

To be with you I had to change

How much I cared for me

You made it better to stay silent

Than speak for what I'd need

And silent still you'd stay yourself

Had I not taken to the horns

And called you out from your stone walls

Though my message was torn

To be with you I had to change

So much I felt diminished

But when my trust faded away

You said that we were finished

And I looked 'round the rubble

That you'd made of what I built

And realized captivity

Was all that I had felt