Lyrics

I Gave It Up

By Ian G. Clifton
December 11th, 2002

All I wanted was to see you smile
Smile and laugh all the while
So I never spoke or said a word
Making you mine seemed so absurd

You were happy where you were
Dark emotions, I would not stir
I'd let you be happy with your choice
I didn't need to speak my voice

Hidden in the background
Not making a sound
I gave it up not from being coy
I just wanted to see you full of joy


There you were smiling so nice
My heart was clenched in a vice
But I kept my silence so very tight
You didn't see my inner fight

You were happy and that was great
How could I harbor any hate
For that man who cared for you
But somehow I guess I do

Hidden in the background
Not making a sound
I gave it up not from being coy
I just wanted to see you full of joy


Secretly, I studied your eyes
Seeing if you were sick of lies
He told you anything you wanted to hear
Your breaking heart my only fear

And it went on and on
He was just a con
But what was I supposed to do
I just sat by caring for you

Hidden in the background
Not making a sound
I gave it up not from being coy
I just wanted to see you full of joy


Finally, away from him you ran
But you went to another man
So I am in the background once more
That's all I'm good for

I'm your secret guard
Your special wild card
You, I could never hope to tame
You don't even know my name

Hidden in the background
Not making a sound
I gave it up not from being coy
I just wanted to see you full of joy


But I take good care of you
Watching everything that you do
Let me know when you can really see
Until then, I'll just be me

Hidden in the background
Not making a sound
I gave it up not from being coy
I just wanted to see you full of joy