Porch Light

Lyrics

[Verse 1] You left your blue coat on the kitchen chair The rain kept tapping like it knew you’d been there I found your note beneath the sugar tin Three careful lines, then the paper folded in The kettle clicked; the room went still I read your name against my will [Chorus] I keep the porch light on for you Though both of us know what we have to do If the road runs long and the winter comes through There’s a place at the table, a place here for you [Verse 2] Your old key turns in the lock no more But I still catch myself near the door The neighbors ask if you found your way I say you’re fine, then I change what I say I packed your books in a cardboard case And left one blank where you marked your place [Chorus] I keep the porch light on for you Though both of us know what we have to do If the road runs long and the winter comes through There’s a place at the table, a place here for you [Bridge] No blame to carry, no debt to name Some roads divide without a villain to blame Take the photograph from the drawer if you choose I’ll keep the quiet, you keep the blues [Final Chorus] I keep the porch light on for you Not asking the past to come back into view If the road runs long and the winter comes through There’s a place at the table, a place here for you [Outro] The kettle cools, the morning comes Your blue coat’s gone; the chair stays put