Thursday Lyric: Song of the Candle

This has always been one of my favorite Stan Rogers songs, particularly since college: it's the best writer's block song ever written. (actually, as near as I can tell, it's the only one, but I'd be curious if anyone can think of others)

SONG OF THE CANDLE
(1972) - Stan Rogers

I took up my pen tonight, I couldn't seem to write
It's like I got religion, and then I lost the light
An old woman once told me, she'd always felt that way...
She said "Taken from the mold, while it still can run
a candle might not keep you from the cold.
But buy another candle son, it's not too much to pay.
For one more try." And I had to smile before I walked away

Coffee houses bother me, I cannot tell you why
But it never seems "hello" sounds as sweet as "goodbye"
And the waitresses in passing, remember all your names...
They say "Look around and try to meet a single eye."
And "Empty cups will mock me if I stay, but
buy another coffee Stan, it's not too much to pay
and we will try to raise your smile
before you walk away."

CHORUS
Tonight in a room full of candles, another cup of ashes drains away
And at times it gets so hard to handle
Knowing one more simple song has swiftly taken wing
And I'm left alone to hear the song a lonely candle sings

The priest I found was nervous. He cleared his throat a lot
But framed in stained glass windows, his eyes were lost in thought
And I said "Father can you tell me, is some happiness my right?"
He said "Rather seek you joy, the blessings of your God
and Happiness from worship in His sight.
And buy another candle son, before you start to pray,
and don't forget to cross your breast before you walk away."

CHORUS
Tonight in a room full of candles, another cup of madness drains away
And at times it gets so hard to handle
Knowing one more simple song has swiftly taken wing
And I'm left alone to hear the song a lonely candle sings

One too many cigarettes, slowly burning down
And the final cup of coffee was cold and full of grounds
And maybe one last pipeful might send the words around
Still underneath my hand, this night has slipped away
And leaves me as empty as this page
One more candle flickers out, the night is turning grey
And I just can't watch the dying flame
I have to walk away

Tonight I have burned all my candles
Leaving only ashes in their wake...
And at times I get so hard to handle
'Cause simple songs leave me behind, they all have taken wing
And I'm left alone to hear the song a lonely candle sings.




See other lyrics and poetry, some original, posted here