Leave the lamp on Lord

[Verse 1]
I try to make the holy sign
But my old hands have lost the line
I walk the gravel to the door
Like every Sunday long before

[Chorus]
The iron bell begins to toll
A heavy weight upon my soul
I stand outside the yard and wait
Please leave the lamp on at the gate
Leave the lamp on Lord
Just a little while
If I lose my way
On this lonesome mile
Leave the lamp on Lord
For the faith grown old
For the empty chair
In the bitter cold

[Verse 2]
A marker in her Bible stays
Right where we read in better days
The wooden pew feels cold and white
Without her sitting by my side
I try to sing the hymns we knew
But my old voice can't make it through

[Chorus]
I stand outside the yard and wait
Please leave the lamp on at the gate
Leave the lamp on Lord
Just a little while
If I lose my way
On this lonesome mile
Leave the lamp on Lord
For the faith grown old
For the empty chair
In the bitter cold

[Bridge]
The shadows stretch across the floor
I cannot fight them anymore
I bring my dirt, I bring my shame
And simply whisper out your name

[Chorus]
Leave the lamp on Lord
Just a little while
If I lose my way
On this lonesome mile
Leave the lamp on Lord
For the faith grown old
For the empty chair
In the bitter cold

[Outro]
The lamp is on
But the chair is cold