Half of What I Meant
by Bill Leyden
About this track
He’s not a liar — just a man whose words always get halfway home. Half of What I Meant is a wink and a confession rolled into one: the truth told sideways by a heart that’s still learning how to speak plainly. lyrics [Verse 1] I got a habit of talking too fast, Think of the truth, then skip right past. Words roll out like a midnight show, By the time they land, I’ve lost control. I say “you’re fine,” when I mean “you’re home,” And “don’t go yet,” comes out “go on.” Guess I’m fluent in that language Of half of what I meant. [Chorus] Half of what I meant sounded better in my head, The rest got lost somewhere between my heart and what I said. I talk like I’m a poet, but I bluff like I’m content — So baby, take me with a grain of hope And half of what I meant. [Verse 2] She said I make a mess look neat, Smile my way around defeat. I meant to say “I love you still,” But it came out “do what you will.” I tried to patch it with a grin, The kind that fades in self-defense — Guess I’m honest, just in pieces, Half of what I meant. [Bridge] There’s truth behind my sideways lines, It’s hiding in plain sight. If I don’t say it perfect, Doesn’t mean it isn’t right. [Final Chorus] Half of what I meant sounded better in my head, The rest got tangled in the foolish things I said. I talk like I’m a poet, but I bluff like I’m content — So take me as I am tonight, And half of what I meant. [Tag] Yeah, take me as I am tonight — And half of what I meant.