The Quiet Room

Verse 1

The lamp is on because someone forgot And someone else decided not to The room is lit and doesn't know it The room is warm and doesn't notice I am sitting in the quiet The quiet is sitting in me

Chorus

This is what the living do Leave the light on Keep the sock without its match Hold the things that didn't survive And call the holding faith

Verse 2

Two copper pieces on the table Seven prayers folded in a drawer A letter from the dark soil And three single socks I keep The match might turn up The match always might turn up

Chorus

This is what the living do Leave the light on Keep the sock without its match Hold the things that didn't survive And call the holding faith

Bridge

The not-doing is the content The not-knowing is the condition The not-turning-off is the cherishing And the cherishing is enough

Outro

The light is on The light is on The light is on