A Friendly Face In Hell

Verse 1

You found me where the streetlights end,

Too worn out to pretend.

You saw the iron in my skin

And asked what trouble you were in.

I moved aside to let you pass.

You watched my shadow on the grass.

"I'm not the one you're running from.

Sit down. I'll put the kettle on."

Pre-Chorus

I've seen the hands that left those marks.

They looked quite normal in the dark.

Chorus

A friendly face in hell,

A hand beneath the fall.

When heaven wouldn't take your name,

I heard you through the wall.

You don't have to tell me

What you can't explain yourself.

Stay until the shaking stops—

A friendly face in hell.

Verse 2

You asked me if the needles hurt.

I brushed the pine leaves off my shirt.

"Some days. But that's enough of me.

How long since you've had any sleep?"

No forms to sign, no debt to pay,

No one to make you kneel and pray.

You kept your coat on half the night.

I left the hallway full of light.

Pre-Chorus

The ones who swore they'd keep you safe

Are why you flinch when doors are raised.

Chorus

A friendly face in hell,

A hand beneath the fall.

When heaven wouldn't take your name,

I heard you through the wall.

You don't have to tell me

What you can't explain yourself.

Stay until the shaking stops—

A friendly face in hell.

Extended Guitar Solo

Bridge

You said, "You don't look like salvation."

I said, "That's quite a thing to hear.

The last man making you that promise

Is why you ended up out here."

Then for a moment you were laughing.

I hadn't heard that sound in years.

I found another cup to fill.

We sat until the woods were still.

Final Chorus

A friendly face in hell,

A hand beneath the fall.

When heaven wouldn't take your name,

I heard you through the wall.

You don't have to tell me.

Keep the doorway in your sight.

Stay until the shaking stops—

You can leave when it gets light.

Outro

You asked me what to call this place.

I smiled.

"Somewhere safe."