In high school it seemed everyone
Was giving us a hard time
So one day I said hey baby
Let's go for a ride
We figured we could afford it
With just one or two more friends
We saved each other from our home towns
We escaped it more or less

Gender-bending
Free expression
Homemade dinner
One-week vacation
Small kitchen table
Two chairs to go with it
Rainbow magnets
Black and white kitten
Money was tight, but baby,
We had it all.

When that kid picked on you
For wearing a dress
I was so angry I couldn't sleep.
After your boyfriend
Pulled what he did
I cried with you for over a week.

I couldn't save you
I couldn't make it stop
I couldn't save you
You fell and my heart dropped

After he put his hands on you,
It was weeks before I could function
I healed but you kept sliding down
I guess I should have known then
I couldn't solve it, this time
Couldn't replace romance for you
I wished I could take it onto me
Play the hero, trade places with you

I couldn't save you
Rescue you from the corner where you'd hide
I couldn't stop you
From giving in to the demons inside

Along came a sweet boy, and there went you
Convinced that the soul behind those eyes was true
You both gave up everything- and there were we
Your two roommates splitting the rent owed by three

I knew you were hurting, but
I thought you'd come to me in time.
I knew you'd lost yourself, but
I thought the arms you'd find you in could be mine.

I should've known better
Friends can't replace romance
I should've known better
You had to take a chance

I promised to always be there for you
I didn't know you didn't want me to

I could deflect some homophobia
But not a desperate love.
I can rescue you from transphobia
But I can't save you from yourself.