Can't explain why I'm quite so wary
But I love and need my ways so safe and solitary
You may think I'm timid, but you could also call it smart
Every stranger's face I see makes me more and more lonely
As I realize the world is so large and so lacking in heart

Suppose you're clever enough to have learned
That when I first met you I told lies at every single turn
A poor, odd girl new to here on scholarships
If you had known those truths of my mind I'd've felt so exposed
The cloak of twisted truth was safer for one like me, so cautious

Waited so long for freedom from you all
I was so anxious to work and answer that creative call
Books and pencils and music have been my only friends so long
But after your company I'm finally beginning to see
You're the ones who kept me alive in life's cold-shouldered throng

I cling fiercely to my pride
What else have I to add confidence to my stride?
But while it keeps me going I have begun to discover
Pride dazzles diamond-bright but is no great companion late in sleepless nights
And wisdom whispered to me: "Why, you've discovered love, girl."

"Nonsense!" I cried, "Not independent me!
All I ever need are the characters of my latest story!"
And damn that voice; it just gave a smile so knowing
"I understand your fear but try to look past that, my dear
Perhaps you have a heart, for is that not real loneliness showing?"

There's no polite excuse to give for my absence
And I cannot understand how you endure my moody lapses
But I slipped shyly into the room; "I hope I'm not interrupting -- "
And you hugged and cried: "Where you been, you bastard, thought you'd died!
And if you don't believe we love you, just tell us what you've been up to, then."

If I can barely stand my own imperfections
How can you wholeheartedly embrace and always draw me back in?
This whole thing is so incredibly scary, and friendship is such hard labor
My mind screams for retreat to my imagination to escape civilization's heat
But a starved heart nags to try to earn your open care

Gosh, I was such an isolated mess
But after that day you told me "Yes,
support is what it's about and we'll always be your pal"
Slowly my ice exterior is ebbing so nicely to reveal
The actual human being you've managed to make me now

If you hadn't thrown the lifesaver who knows where I'd be
Probably a rubber room to lock away my insanity
Your persistence reluctantly led me to agree
To accept the hand of friendship and my gratitude knows no limit
May God a hundred times bless you, 'cause you may have just saved me