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