Keep the Porch Light On

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Your picture’s folded in my mattress seam I trace the crease when the lights go dim They call my number, I answer late Like one more second could change my fate You said, “Be home before the first snow falls” Now snow comes down beyond these walls I count each flake through wired glass And wonder how a year can pass [Pre-Chorus] Ma, I heard your voice on Sunday You tried to sound all right I kept my own voice steady Then cried after goodnight [Chorus: Lo-fi duet, call and response] [Lead] If you can hear me, keep the porch light on [Gang Replies] We’ll keep it on, we’ll keep it on [Lead] I’m still your boy, though the months roll on [Gang Replies] You’re still our own, you’re still our own [Lead and Duet] When this door gives way, I’ll find my way back home [Gang Replies] Come back home, come back home [Verse 2] The phone cuts off before I say enough Your “I love you” makes the silence rough My little brother’s voice got deeper now He says he’s fine; I hear the doubt I missed the cake, the game, the school parade The small good days I thought would wait I wear my shame like county gray And dream of earning them back someday [Pre-Chorus] Ma, I heard you laugh on Sunday For a breath I felt outside Then the line went quiet on me And I swallowed what I cried [Chorus: Lo-fi duet, call and response] [Lead] If you can hear me, keep the porch light on [Gang Replies] We’ll keep it on, we’ll keep it on [Lead] I’m still your boy, though the months roll on [Gang Replies] You’re still our own, you’re still our own [Lead and Duet] When this door gives way, I’ll find my way back home [Gang Replies] Come back home, come back home [Bridge] I won’t ask you to forget the hurt Or tell the little ones I didn’t leave Just save a place beside the kitchen table And let me show you what I mean [Final Chorus: fuller lo-fi duet, gang replies] [Lead] If you can hear me, keep the porch light on [Gang Replies] We’ll keep it on, we’ll keep it on [Lead] I’m still your boy, though the months roll on [Gang Replies] You’re still our own, you’re still our own [Lead and Duet] When this door gives way, I’ll find my way back home [Gang Replies] Come back home, come back home [Outro] Keep the porch light on I’m trying to come back home