I'll Be By Your Side

Lyrics

[Intro: Female] When the snow seals the road and the pines bend low, I keep one lamp where the dark winds blow. [Verse 1: Male] The north road vanished under drifts by dawn, My boots kept time where the old tracks ran. I carried your name past the frozen ford, Past the split-rail fence and the empty barn. At the ridge, I could see our chimney smoke, A thin gray line in a slate-blue sky. Every mile had a piece of the life we chose; Every mile said, turn around, go home. [Pre-Chorus: Female] If the cold takes your words, I know your eyes. If the night comes down, keep this in mind— [Chorus: Both] I’ll be by your side when the winter comes hard, When the pass is shut and the miles are long. I’ll be by your side, through the frost and the dark, Till your hand finds mine and we make it home. I’ll be by your side, I’ll be by your side. [Verse 2: Female] I mended the coat with the blue wool thread, Kept your place by the table, kept kindling dry. The old dog sleeps with one ear raised, And the kettle sings when the wind turns sharp. Your father’s knife is still by the door, The worn oak handle smooth as a stone. I tell the young ones the trail bends south; I tell them your footsteps are coming home. [Pre-Chorus: Male] If the cold takes my strength, I know your eyes. If the night comes down, I can read the sign— [Chorus: Both] I’ll be by your side when the winter comes hard, When the pass is shut and the miles are long. I’ll be by your side, through the frost and the dark, Till your hand finds mine and we make it home. I’ll be by your side, I’ll be by your side. [Bridge: Male then Female] [Male] At the old stone crossing, the river spoke low, I set down my pack where the black waters slow. [Female] I heard the latch lift, I heard the door, I knew your step on the boards once more. [Both] No oath too heavy, no road too wide; The hearth is a promise, and I am beside you. [Final Chorus: Both] I’ll be by your side when the winter comes hard, When the pass is shut and the miles are long. I’ll be by your side, through the frost and the dark, Till your hand finds mine and we make it home. I’ll be by your side when the first thaw starts, When the roof sheds ice and the fields turn brown. I’ll be by your side, wherever you are— You made it home, and I’m here now. [Outro: Female and Male] [Female] The fire holds steady. [Male] The door stays wide. [Both] Through every winter, I’ll be by your side.