Candles on the Stairwell, Rain on the Roof

Lyrics

The power went out at nine,
the whole block slipped into the dark.
We carried candles up the stairs
and set them down like small, bright arks.
The wind leans hard against the glass,
the shutters hum a low refrain,
and neighbours knock with blankets, bread,
and names we never knew till now.

Candles on the stairwell, rain on the roof,
the whole house breathing slow.
We are small and we are sheltered,
and the storm can only blow.
Candles on the stairwell, rain on the roof,
I hold the light for you.
Let the night go howling by us,
we will see the morning through.

Old Mrs. Tan brings out a flask,
the boy downstairs brings out his drum.
We tap it softly, one two three,
and every worried heart goes numb.
The thunder takes the tempo up,
we answer in a hush of song,
a stairwell full of borrowed warmth
where no one has to be strong.

Candles on the stairwell, rain on the roof,
the whole house breathing slow.
We are small and we are sheltered,
and the storm can only blow.
Candles on the stairwell, rain on the roof,
I hold the light for you.
Let the night go howling by us,
we will see the morning through.

Somewhere past the window
the sea is climbing walls,
but here the flames are steady
and a sleepy child's voice calls
for one more verse, one more verse,
and we sing it, soft and low,
till the wind forgets its anger
and the dark begins to go.

Candles on the stairwell, rain on the roof,
the whole house breathing slow.
We are small and we are sheltered,
and the storm can only blow.
Candles on the stairwell, rain on the roof,
I hold the light for you.
Let the night go howling by us,
we will see the morning through.

Rain on the roof,
rain on the roof,
and a candle burning true.