Empty Chair

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Your boots still by the door Like you stepped out for air Your half-read paper waits By the broken kitchen chair I still hear your keys In the bowl by the sink Now the house says your name Every time I blink [Pre-Chorus] I keep reaching for your coat Then I fold my hands I keep calling out your name To an empty hallway [Chorus] Dad, don’t go away Dad, stay in the frame I’m learning your silence One hard day at a time Dad, don’t go away Your chair still stays I’m talking to the dark Like you might answer me [Verse 2] The mailbox leans at dusk The porch light hums alone Your old work shirt on the line Still knows your shape at home I drive past the store Where you taught me to count change And every red stop sign Feels like it says your name [Pre-Chorus] I keep reaching for your coat Then I fold my hands I keep calling out your name To an empty hallway [Chorus] Dad, don’t go away Dad, stay in the frame I’m learning your silence One hard day at a time Dad, don’t go away Your chair still stays I’m talking to the dark Like you might answer me [Bridge] If I build a life Will it still hold your name? If I laugh too loud Will it sound the same? I found your old receipt Folded in my book And I cried in the car At the grocery truck [Final Chorus] Dad, don’t go away Dad, stay in the frame I’m learning your silence One hard day at a time Dad, don’t go away Your chair still stays I’m talking to the dark Like you might answer me Dad, don’t go away I carry your face In the way I stand In the way I break