Track 5 of the album Lights Half Down · 2026
Her Face in the Locket, Still Smiling
“A little gold locket, soft with years, and a face that's still smiling. I opened it in the studio and played the take for her.”
jazz ballad · nostalgic ballad · parlour ballad · 3:17
Lyrics
I opened up a little locket Gold gone soft with years Inside a tiny photograph Of my mother, caught in cheers Her face in the locket, still smiling Wearing a Sunday dress Her face in the locket, still smiling She never knew the rest Still she smiles, still she smiles Like she's holding all the light Her face in the locket, still smiling Keeping me tonight There's a tilt of the head I know There's a laugh I almost hear The clasp is worn from every thumb That wanted her so near Her face in the locket, still smiling Wearing a Sunday dress Her face in the locket, still smiling She never knew the rest Still she smiles, still she smiles Like she's holding all the light Her face in the locket, still smiling Keeping me tonight Some things the years can't take away A photograph, a little grey The way she looked toward the sun Is the way my day is done Her face in the locket, still smiling Wearing a Sunday dress Her face in the locket, still smiling She never knew the rest Still she smiles, still she smiles Like she's holding all the light Her face in the locket, still smiling Keeping me tonight Keeping me tonight