Coat Check Stub

[Intro]

(Tear) Coat check —

Stub warm in my hand

[Verse 1]

Lobby light on quiet coats, I fold my scarf in two,

I slide the stub across the desk — a soft rip, nothing new;

Paper edge like a tiny map, the number neat and clear,

If care can fit in cardboard small, then I can leave it here.

[Pre-Chorus]

Hold the stub... breathe in...

Ready.

[Chorus]

Coat check stub, tear — I'm walking in,

Little paper yes against my palm;

Someone kept the hangers free, someone kept the hangers free,

If the room feels kind, that's fair —

Coat check stub, tear — I'm walking in,

Wool and winter air, quiet grin;

Someone kept the hangers free, someone kept the hangers free,

Tear it once and I begin.

[Verse 2]

Later on I find the hook where my coat waited still,

No speech required, just a hand that kept a promise small;

I zip my bag like a soft parade — the stub folds in my pocket,

Ordinary care in lobby light is how I make it home.

[Pre-Chorus]

Hold the stub... breathe in...

Ready.

[Chorus]

Coat check stub, tear — I'm walking in,

Little paper yes against my palm;

Someone kept the hangers free, someone kept the hangers free,

If the room feels kind, that's fair —

Coat check stub, tear — I'm walking in,

Wool and winter air, quiet grin;

Someone kept the hangers free, someone kept the hangers free,

Tear it once and I begin.

[Bridge]

Not every brave thing needs a stage,

Some of them fit in a stub I saved;

Paper and hope in equal parts —

Ink looks good on a starting day.

[Final Chorus]

Coat check stub, tear — I'm walking in,

Little paper yes against my palm;

Someone kept the hangers free, someone kept the hangers free,

If the room feels kind, that's fair —

Coat check stub, tear — I'm walking in,

Wool and winter air, quiet grin;

Someone kept the hangers free — and I begin,

Tear it once and I begin.

[Outro]

(Tear) Coat check...

Someone kept the hook.