Keep the Door Unlatched

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Woman] You left your silver button Beside the nursery door The winter keeps it polished Though we live here no more [Verse 2: Man] I found your folded ribbon Inside the garden wall The roses have gone sleeping But I remember them all [Pre-Chorus: Woman and Man] If the old tale has an ending Let it take its time I can hear you in the silence I can feel your hand in mine [Chorus: Duet] Stay until the candles fail Stay while the branches bow We were a kingdom for a little while We are still its promise now Though the road divides the morning Though the bells ring low Love, I’ll keep the door unlatched for you Wherever you must go [Instrumental: English horn solo, swelling violins and deep cellos, wordless choir] [Verse 3: Woman] The portrait in the hallway Has faded at the eyes I touch the painted cheekbone And ask it no replies [Verse 4: Man] Beyond the ruined orchard A pale fox crossed the snow It turned to look behind it As if it meant to know [Chorus: Duet] Stay until the candles fail Stay while the branches bow We were a kingdom for a little while We are still its promise now Though the road divides the morning Though the bells ring low Love, I’ll keep the door unlatched for you Wherever you must go [Bridge: Duet] If you wake beneath another sky And hear the rain against the glass Think of this small room, this quiet hour And how the years could never pass [Final Chorus: Duet, wordless choir joining] Stay until the candles fail Stay while the branches bow We were a kingdom for a little while We are still its promise now Though the road divides the morning Though the bells ring low Love, I’ll keep the door unlatched for you Wherever you must go [Outro: Wordless choir, English horn, celesta and harp] Ah—ah—ah Wherever you must go