Track 2 of the EP Empty Rooms, Open Windows · 2021
Last Walk Through the Empty Rooms
“The boxes were taped, the truck was running at the curb, and I couldn't make myself leave the kitchen. So I wrote this instead.”
rock ballad · rock ballad · moving-day song · 4:00
Lyrics
The boxes are all taped and stacked The truck is running at the curb Pencil marks along the door frame Show how tall I was and when I walk the hall with my hands in my pockets Every floorboard knows my name Mama's kitchen smells like coffee Though the stove's been cold for days So I'll leave the porch light burning For whoever comes along A house don't stop being home Just because the family's gone I'm taking nothing but the memory And the sound of the screen door slam Walking out of the only place That ever knew who I am My dad's old chair is by the window Where he watched the road at night I can almost hear him humming In the quiet evening light The garden's gone to seed and clover The swing hangs by one chain I press my palm against the doorway Like a friend I'll see again So I'll leave the porch light burning For whoever comes along A house don't stop being home Just because the family's gone I'm taking nothing but the memory And the sound of the screen door slam Walking out of the only place That ever knew who I am Lock the door and hold the key One last time, then let it be Some things you carry, some you leave Both of them are part of me The new folks will paint the bedroom Maybe plant a maple tree I hope they hear the old floor singing Hope they love it like we did I turn around at the end of the driveway Look back at the window glass Everything I ever needed Was inside that house, alas So I'll leave the porch light burning For whoever comes along A house don't stop being home Just because the family's gone I'm taking nothing but the memory And the sound of the screen door slam Walking out of the only place That ever knew who I am Walking out of the only place That ever knew who I am