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
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 low just a little while
If I lose my way on this lonesome mile
Leave the lamp alone for the faith grown old
For the empty chair in the bitter cold
The 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
I stand outside the yard and wait
Please leave the lamp on at the gate
Leave the lamp on low just a little while
If I lose my way on this lonesome mile
Leave the lamp alone for the faith grown old
For the empty chair in the bitter cold
The shadows stretch across the floor
I cannot fight them anymore
I'll bring my dirt, I'll bring my shame
And simply whisper out your name
Leave the lamp on low just a little while
If I lose my way on this lonesome mile
Leave the lamp alone for the faith grown old
For the empty chair in the bitter cold
Mm, the lamp is on, but the chair is cold