Twelve Years Lyrics

I said no when they asked me,

Didn't want to watch you grow,

Told them it was the work, the care,

But the truth they'll never know.

I was scared of the way you'd steal my heart,

Of the day we'd have to part,

But then you came, you stayed, you loved,

And tore my fear apart.

Twelve years feels like a moment,

And still, it feels so long,

How do I hold the memories,

When soon, they'll all be gone?

You were never just a dog to me,

You're the rhythm in my heartbeat's key,

And when the time comes to say goodbye,

How do I stand? How do I survive?

You're the love I wasn't ready to lose,

And still, you're the love I'll always choose.

I see the grey now in your face,

The slowness in your stride,

The years have caught us, my dear friend,

And time won't let us hide.

But I'll be here, I'll walk with you,

Until the very end,

Because you've taught me how to love,

How to lose, and how to mend.

Twelve years feels like a lifetime,

And yet, it's not enough,

How do I say goodbye to you,

When the road gets rough?

You were never just a dog to me,

You're the rhythm in my heartbeat's key,

And when the time comes to say goodbye,

How do I stand? How do I survive?

You're the love I wasn't ready to lose,

And still, you're the love I'll always choose.

Every bark, every wag, every quiet gaze,

Is a memory I'll carry through my days,

You showed me courage, through joy and through pain,

A bond like ours will always remain.

You were never just a dog to me,

You're the rhythm in my heartbeat's key,

And when the time comes to say goodbye,

How do I stand? How do I survive?

You're the love I wasn't ready to lose,

And still, you're the love I'll always choose.

So when the time comes to let you go,

I'll hold you close, let my love show,

And though my heart will break in two,

I'll forever carry the best of you.