For Anyone Arriving Late

For anyone arriving late
Leave the light on
Leave the light on

The kettle cooled at midnight
I hadn't noticed it go cold
I kept the ticket from the station
Kept the rose until it dried
The baker tore a loaf in half
My hand went out for your piece
Before my head could stop it

I walked the streets we walked
I didn't ask you back
I asked what the light was for

Leave the light on, leave the light on
Leave the light on in the hallway
For anyone arriving late
Somebody's always on their way

Leave the light on
Not because I think it's you

I heard your name in another city
Only a stranger laughing
For one breath the street was you
And then it was a street
I called three people I'd meant to call
Said the words while they were living
Tuesday I paid the locksmith
Your key opens nothing now
I cut a second for the woman upstairs
She comes home at four

Tonight the dried rose came apart
I didn't try to press it back
I brushed it off the table
And I put the kettle on

Leave the light on, leave the light on
Leave the light on in the hallway
For anyone arriving late
Somebody's always on their way (on their way)

The room is quiet, it isn't unkind
Someone upstairs has a key now
For anyone arriving late
Goodnight