Track 4 of the EP Nine Time Zones Away · 2011
Before I Open the Door
“Everything happens in the second before a door opens. I wanted the piano to hold its breath with her.”
art song · art song · minimalist piano · 4:07
Lyrics
My hand is on the handle The hallway holds its breath A minute left of before And then the after, the rest I hear the kettle singing Somewhere beyond the wall Every choice I've carried Waits quiet in the hall Before I open the door Let me hold this moment still All the paths I might have chosen Soft as light across the sill Before I open the door Let me know that I am ready Not because I'm certain But because my heart is steady The brass is cool and gentle The grain of wood is warm I think of who I'll be When I step out of the storm Before I open the door Let me hold this moment still All the paths I might have chosen Soft as light across the sill Before I open the door Let me know that I am ready Not because I'm certain But because my heart is steady One breath, one breath The silver edge of morning One breath, one breath The turning without warning Before I open the door I have held this moment still All the paths I might have chosen Rest beside me, soft and still Now I open the door And the light comes in so gently Not because I'm certain But because I chose it, wholly Before I open the door Now I open the door