The Porch Light Promise

[Verse 1]
I left the porch light burning through another quiet night
The kettle clicked, the kitchen clock kept count against the wall
I folded up the day and set it by the door
Like maybe something kind could find the house at last

[Pre-Chorus]
I’m not asking for a sign
Just a little room to breathe
One good thing that doesn’t turn
Before it reaches me

[Chorus]
Maybe happiness will find its way to me
Past the rooms I’ve kept too cold to enter
Maybe I can let it stay a little while
Set its coat beside mine by the door
I’ve been waiting with the porch light on
I’m still here, I’m still here

[Verse 2]
The bus rolled past the corner with its windows full of gold
A kid was dragging chalk along the sidewalk, drawing home
I watched the rain erase the crooked blue and red
And thought: some things can disappear and still have mattered

[Pre-Chorus]
I’m not asking to be saved
Or to never hurt again
Just a morning that feels mine
And a hand I don’t have to pretend

[Chorus]
Maybe happiness will find its way to me
Past the rooms I’ve kept too cold to enter
Maybe I can let it stay a little while
Set its coat beside mine by the door
I’ve been waiting with the porch light on
I’m still here, I’m still here

[Bridge]
If it comes in small, I’ll know it
In the bread warm from the paper
In the laugh I didn’t plan
In the phone call I answer
I won’t make it prove forever
I won’t ask it to explain
I’ll just open up the door
And let the ordinary in

[Final Chorus]
Maybe happiness will find its way to me
Even if it takes the long way through the winter
Maybe I can let it stay a little while
Leave a place for it beside me by the door
I’ve been waiting with the porch light on
I’m still here, I’m still here
And if it finds me as I am
I’ll let it in

[Outro]
The kettle cools, the clock goes on
The porch light keeps its little promise