We were struck how it could work for both a lover who left a relationship or as a lover who passed away.
Yes, it was left intentionally vague.
And at this point in my life, I have more experience with losing people who have passed away than I do with lovers who have left me. So I'm sure that informs my writing.
As has been amply commented on each production ups your bar and on this one the harmonies pushed it up even higher. Well done.
Nice to hear from one of the key harmony singers on the forum!

"Honestly, this whole song feels hackneyed"
Total disagreement here. Period.
I should have clarified - I think it's emotionally honest, but I meant "hackneyed" in the sense that the words feel like they've been used so many times, they're almost cliche.
I'm struggling with the reality that saying things in plain, simple language is actually OK.
"if Bud can edit the drum parts in his song, who am I to do otherwise?"
Go for it! Tedious but worth it. They sound excellent.

Mission accomplished. We love open mixes ... mixes that breathe. We attempt that via few tracks and how you did that with this many had to require a LOT of thought and knob twisting.
Personally, I think you do it the
right way. But I
love big productions, so it's a self-inflicted wound, and I'm learning a bit more with every song.
I'm glad you were able to stop by and comment!