Empty Theater

[Verse 1]
I learned the names of every seat
The velvet aisle, the dusty heat
I practiced bows in the cracked glass
And waited for the house to fill at last

[Pre-Chorus]
They called my name; I took the light
A thousand hands came down that night

[Chorus]
The curtain lifts, the room applauds
A perfect storm of open palms
I turn to tell you what it meant
But every seat is vacant
The sound rolls on, then disappears
No one to hold the moment near
I chased that roar for years and years
And found an empty theater

[Verse 2]
My flowers wilt beside the door
The paper programs line the floor
I keep the ticket from that night
Though no one came to share the ride

[Pre-Chorus]
They called my name; I took the light
A thousand hands came down that night

[Chorus]
The curtain lifts, the room applauds
A perfect storm of open palms
I turn to tell you what it meant
But every seat is vacant
The sound rolls on, then disappears
No one to hold the moment near
I chased that roar for years and years
And found an empty theater

[Bridge]
If you had been there, I could leave
The bright applause and finally breathe
I’d trade the echo, every cheer
For one familiar voice right here

[Final Chorus]
The curtain lifts, the room applauds
A perfect storm of open palms
I turn to tell you what it meant
But every seat is vacant
The sound rolls on, then disappears
No one to hold the moment near
I chased that roar for years and years
And found an empty theater

[Outro]
I bow once more to rows of red
Then take your absence home instead