Mama Don't close your eyes

Lyrics

I came back through the winter with my cold hands at your door Boots full of water, couldn't run anymore I had ash on my shoulders from the bridges that I burned. But I still kept your whisper in the places that I turned You said, "Child, when the night gets cruel, don't you dare forget you're more than all you've used." So I carried that sentence like a coal in the dark Hid it under all the shame that wrapped around my heart Oh, if I fall again, will you lift my head? If I go numb, will you call me back from the dead? Mama, don't close your eyes I'm still here, I'm still alive I came through the snow with a shattered soul But I'm holding on to every word you told. Mama, don't turn away, I found my knees I learned to pray with these cold, cold hands and this broken cord But I'm just asking, "Can I come back home once more?" You remember the kitchen with the candle on the plate You'd sing over dishes when it all felt laid Let the storm keep shouting Let the fear run wild We were made for the fire We were made, my child I took that little chorus to the cities and the bars to the empty streets and back of the ship But your hymn kept knocking when the windows froze. Oh, if I break again, will you hold my name? If I lose my way, will you light that flame? Mama, don't close your eyes I'm still here, I'm still alive I came through the snow with a shattered soul But I'm holding on to every word you told Mama, don't turn away, I found my knees I learned to pray with these cold, cold hands and this broken core I'm just asking, "Can I come back home once more?" I laid my fear on the chapel floor Whispered every secret that I carried before Said, "If there's a God in this frozen town, let me feel one hand when I'm falling down." And I swear I heard you in the echo of the choir Your old voice rising like a small clean fire singing hallelujah I still choose you even with the cracks I see right through Mama, don't close your eyes Don't close your eyes I'm still alive from the far like a wind to your wooden floor I was lost so long, but I'm at your door Mama, don't turn away If you can't forgive Just let me stay with these cold, cold hands and this trembling heart Let me start again where you always start. I said, "Stand up, girl, you're not what they chose"