Track 4 of the album One More Verse Before the Lights Come Up · 2026
The Empty Stadium Sings Back
by Wren Hallett
“The gates were left open and the crowd long gone, and my footsteps sounded like applause. I stood on the centre spot and sang very quietly.”
singer-songwriter · dreamy folk · hopeful ballad · 3:13
Lyrics
The gates were left open, the crowd long gone home I walk down the aisle with my footsteps alone Paper cups rolling like tumbleweed here A thousand grey seats and the sky coming clear I stand on the grass where the heroes once ran I hum a small tune, just the way I began The roof gives it back to me, softer and wide Like the whole empty place has been listening inside The empty stadium sings back Every little note I lose It holds them in its arms of steel And hands them back like news I didn't need the roaring I just needed room to be The empty stadium sings back And it sounds a lot like me A caretaker waves from the top of the stand With a mop and a radio, a flask in his hand We nod like two people who share a secret That quiet is something you're glad you can keep Some of us were made for the noise and the light Some for the hush when they switch off the night But the echo don't care what the size of your voice It answers you kindly, it gives you a choice The empty stadium sings back Every little note I lose It holds them in its arms of steel And hands them back like news I didn't need the roaring I just needed room to be The empty stadium sings back And it sounds a lot like me Hum it low, hum it low The empty stadium sings back And it sounds a lot like me