Empty Chairs

Verse 1

Sunday plates still stacked in rows

The radio hums a half-known tune

I set five forks then count to four

Old habits die the slowest way

Pre-Chorus

Doorframe cold where hugs used to land

Silence thicker than the prayers I send

Chorus

They won't be coming back to me

The chairs are empty at the table

They won't be coming back to me

My name is just a word they're able

To leave behind like winter coats

Like photographs and burning notes

Verse 2

Their shoes still line the hallway floor

Dust settling on every step

I keep the porch light burning bright

For ghosts who learned the exit well

Pre-Chorus

Folded quilt and unmade beds

Prayers I whisper to no one else

Chorus

They won't be coming back to me

The chairs are empty at the table

They won't be coming back to me

My name is just a word they're able

To leave behind like winter coats

Like photographs and burning notes

Bridge

I call their names into the hall

Echo answers back alone

Holy heart so softly torn

Won't you carry what I mourn

Chorus

They won't be coming back to me

The chairs are empty at the table

They won't be coming back to me

My name is just a word they're able

To leave behind like winter coats

Like photographs and burning notes