Remember (what?) Today that you are loved
(They're still so small) think back to days in hidden caves
(I gave them everything)
They'd paint your eyes with sunsets (my saints, my sighs, my upsets)
(And the days I couldn't cope)
And the waves, oh, the waves

Remember (I forgot to pack them lunches), they are safe
(I need a drink or two) think back to paddling pools and rainy days
Where they would harmonize with echoes (with charcoal eyes, stilettos)
(They're not ready) nor are you
But the waves, oh, the waves

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
I don't want them to go
Oh-oh-oh
Just tell them what your haggard mother told you long ago

Pick your chords well, loves, but sing your notes off-key
You can't rehearse the chorus, but the verse is sweet
And if your voice begins to crack, and you ever feel alone
They might laugh because you're leaving
But know we'll sing your name when you come home

Remember today (I know they think I'm a nightmare)
Hey, we did our best (I guessed)
Come paddle by the shore (and pushed them, and pushed them all)
You are your own magician (and by my own admission)
Let the ocean give to you (had no notion what to do)
Its waves, oh, the waves (ah, bollocks to your waves)

Remember (please), today you're enough (don't do this, my heart is breaking)
Know they love you (but I raged)
You tried (so much), you did, but so did they
We built our castles (they are my rascals)
Just to watch them wash away (I can't let them walk away)
In the waves (hold my hand), oh, the waves

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
I need them to stay
Oh-oh-oh
Just remember those wicked words your mother used to say

Pick your chords well, loves, but sing your notes off-key
Your dad will forget the words (and uh, fucking bastard, what is it?)
And if your voice begins to crack, and you ever feel alone
They might laugh because you're leaving
But know we'll sing your name when you come home, home
Home, home

Walk into your waves, my loves, tell 'em all your names
Go tell 'em how we failed you and gift to us all your blame
'Cause we'll be all that you hate about yourself, so you can grow
'Cause life begins by leaving, and our love is shown in the letting go

Go walk into your dawn, you snot rags, tell 'em that we never cared
Go tell 'em how we fucked you up and, oh my God, it's so unfair
We were the winter nights, so you could be the morning snow
Your life begins by leaving and our love is shown
In the letting go

Be good (be good), be safe (be safe)
Be kind (be kind)
And know we'll always love you
Even though you're leaving us behind
And be good (be good), be safe (be safe)
Be kind (be kind)
And know we'll always love you
Even though you're leaving us behind