You're Not There
Lukas Graham Lyrics

I only got you in my stories
The singer only has memories of the person and can only recount them in stories.

And you know I tell them right
The singer prides themselves on accurately recounting memories of the person.

Remember you and I, when I'm awake at night
The singer often thinks of the person, especially at night.

So give it up for fallen glory
The artist wishes to acknowledge the person's past accomplishments and contributions.

I never got to say goodbye
The artist regrets not being able to say a proper goodbye to the person before they passed away.

I wish I could ask for just a bit more time
The singer wishes they had more time with the person before they passed away.

Every step I take, you used to lead the way
The person used to be a guiding force in the singer's life.

Now I'm terrified to face it on my own
Without the person, the artist feels lost and scared to navigate life alone.

You're not there
The artist is addressing the person directly, acknowledging their absence.

To celebrate the man that you made
The artist wishes the person was present to appreciate the person they helped shape the artist into.

To share in my success and mistakes
The singer wishes the person was there to witness their successes and learn from their mistakes with them.

Is it fair?
The artist questions if it's fair that the person isn't there to support them.

You'll never know the person I'll be
The singer is acknowledging that the person won't be able to see the singer grow and change.

With me
The singer wants the person to be present with them.

Though I know that you're not there
The singer acknowledges that the person is no longer physically present.

I still write you all these songs
The artist channels their emotions into creating art as a way to connect with the person.

It's like, you still got the right to know what's going on
The artist feels like the person deserves to know what's happening in their life through their music.

As I struggle to remember how you used to look and sound
The singer finds it difficult to recall specific details about the person's appearance and voice.

Sometimes I still think I can spot you in the crowd
The singer occasionally imagines seeing the person in public even though they know it's not possible.

Time can heal your wounds if
The artist is acknowledging the common saying that time can heal emotional wounds.

You're strong and standing tall
The artist implies that strength is necessary to overcome emotional pain.

I've been doing all of that, it didn't help at all
The artist has been trying to stay strong but still struggles with the pain of loss.

They say you'll grow older, and it'll get better still
People often say that emotional pain lessens with time and age.

Yes, I will, but no it won't
The artist acknowledges that they will indeed grow older, but doubts that the emotional pain will ever truly disappear.

They don't get it,
The singer feels like others don't fully understand the depth of their emotions.

With me
The singer wants the person to be present with them.