Lyrics
[Banjo, Harmonica, Horn Intro]
[Verse 1]
Patching up the roof in the pouring rain
Fingers numb, clothes soaked, fighting off the pain
Fixed your car at midnight, walked to work at dawn
All to see that smile, but it's long gone
[Pre-Chorus]
Folks line up around the block for what I do
But your eyes are cold, cutting me in two
My skills bring joy to everyone but you
[Chorus]
I gave you paradise (paradise)
Built it with these hands of mine
But all I taste is bitter wine
Your love's a shadow I can't find
[Verse 2]
Planted roses, trimmed the hedge, painted the fence white
Worked two jobs, saved every dime, to keep our dreams in sight
Cooked your favorite meals, even learned to sew
But nothing's ever good enough, how was I to know?
[Pre-Chorus]
People praise my craft, say I've got the touch
But your words are venom, sting so very much
My worth to you ain't worth a wooden nickel's rust
[Chorus]
I gave you paradise (oh baby)
But all I got was cold as ice
My love's rejected, spite directed
Paradise ain't nice
[Verse 3]
You said you'd stay forever, swore you'd never leave
Boxes in the hallway, still packed up to the brim
Promised me a future, said we'd build a life
But your bags stayed ready, like you're cut by a knife
[Verse 4]
Empty drawers waiting, closet space untouched
Your toothbrush in a travel case, speaks volumes, says so much
Living like a guest here, one foot out the door
While I'm all in, giving everything and more
[Pre-Chorus]
Told the world you're mine, but you're just passing through
Your heart's still packed up tight, what more can I do?
I'm building us a home, but you won't move in too
[Verse 5]
Every argument ends with you threatening to go
"I'm leaving for my sister's!" you'll say. But it's just for show
When I call your bluff, say "Maybe you should leave"
You say you can't go nowhere, but you won't believe in me
When I call your bluff, say "Maybe you should leave"
You say you can't go nowhere, but you won't believe in me
[Pre-Chorus]
This push and pull is tearing me apart
You're holding all the pieces of my breaking heart
Can't live with you, can't live without you - where to start?
[Bridge]
Every night I lie awake (lie awake)
Wondering where I went wrong
My spirit's starting to break (starting to break)
Can't fake being strong for long
Your spite is like a knife (like a knife)
Cutting deeper every day
Thought you were my whole life (my whole life)
Now you're pushing me away
[Verse 6]
Remember when we started? Love was in your eyes
Now all I see is anger, wrapped in cold disguise
They say my work's a treasure, offer fortunes grand
But I'd trade it all just to hold your hand
[Pre-Chorus]
World outside is knocking, begging at my door
But inside these walls, I'm dying on the floor
Your rejection's left me shattered to the core
[Chorus]
I gave you paradise (paradise)
Built it with these hands of mine
But all I taste is bitter wine
Your love's a shadow I can't find
[Outro]
I gave you paradise (gave you paradise)
But paradise has turned to hell
My heart's in chains (heart's in chains)
All that's left is love's remains
