The Porch Unlatched

Lyrics

[Verse 1] You left your blue cup by the sink The handle chipped, the rim still pink I kept it there through Saturday As if the room might ask you to stay [Pre-Chorus] The train goes past at half past ten I count the cars, then count again [Chorus] If you come back, come as you are With all your miles and all your scars I’ll leave the porch unlatched tonight And keep one room in candlelight If you come back, don’t make a sound Just set your bag down on the ground I’ll know the shape of your slow walk Before you even have to talk [Verse 2] Your paper map is in the drawer A red line ending near the shore I found your note inside the fold: “Buy peaches when the days turn cold” [Pre-Chorus] The kettle clicks, the house breathes in I hear the key turn in the wind [Chorus] If you come back, come as you are With all your miles and all your scars I’ll leave the porch unlatched tonight And keep one room in candlelight If you come back, don’t make a sound Just set your bag down on the ground I’ll know the shape of your slow walk Before you even have to talk [Bridge] Maybe home is not a place But the pause before your name Maybe love can hold its ground Without asking why you left town [Final Chorus] If you come back, come as you are No need to tell me where you’ve been or how far I’ll leave the porch unlatched tonight And keep the kitchen warm and bright If you come back, don’t make a sound Just set your bag down on the ground I’ll know the shape of your slow walk Come in, come in—we’ll let the morning talk [Outro] Your blue cup waiting by the sink The kettle clicks; the house breathes in