Two chairs stand too far apart. Karl is close, but she cannot take his hand. Everything she can still give him has to travel through her voice and her gaze.

She says he never knew the plan. To the people listening, it is an explanation. To him, it is another attempt to keep him safe. When he tries to speak and share the blame, she stops him.

Five minutes become a place for the entire life they will not have together. She wants to stay, breathe beside him and be given just one more day. Yet she will not let his life become the price of saving hers.

Their time runs out. She lets him go, leaving the final recognition between them without further words.

ALTA original song cycle

They set your chair away from mine. And tell us not to cross the line. A hand I cannot hold is near. I touch you with the words they hear. You search my face for what is true. I let the room fall out of view. Your face brings back the open air. For just one breath, I take you there.

I say you never knew the plan. I keep you safe the way I can. They hear the words I have to say. You hear the love I hide away.

Just five minutes more. Keep your eyes on me. Let them believe the words I say. You know what they can't see. Just five minutes more. Keep your eyes on me. I cannot take your hand in mine. But you can still reach me.

You start to speak. I hold your gaze. I see the years beyond these days. Don't try to save me with your name. I will not let you share the blame. No ink can show the love we knew. I leave the rest of me with you. They watch my mouth. You watch my eyes. You hear the truth beneath the lies.

I say you never knew the plan. I keep you safe the way I can. They hear the words I have to say. You hear the love I hide away.

Just five minutes more. Keep your eyes on me. Let them believe the words I say. You know what they can't see. Just five minutes more. Keep your eyes on me. I cannot take your hand in mine. But you can still reach me.

If I could have one day with you, I'd choose the life we never knew. I want to live. I want to stay. But I won't trade your life away.

Just five minutes more. Keep your eyes on me. Let them believe the words I say. You know what they can't see. Just five minutes more. Keep your eyes on me. I cannot take your hand in mine. But you can still reach me.

They say it's time. I let you go. My lips stay still. You know. You know.

In plain words

A farewell in which love continues to protect. A single sentence has two audiences: the guards must hear that Karl was not involved; he must understand that her love remains. The short hook asks for a little more time and holds their connection through eye contact. A small ensemble of voice, piano, guitar and cello keeps the focus on two people. An intimate cinematic ballad for ALTA's voice, piano, acoustic guitar and a single cello. Just five minutes more / Keep your eyes on me.

Barefoot

Five Minutes

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