Keep the Porch Light Off

[vocal mature_female_lead, clear_tone, steady_delivery, controlled_vibrato, emotional_contrast, close_mic, no_harsh_vocals] [tempo slow_mid_tempo, ballad_pulse, 2000s_alt_rock] [entry solo_piano, studio_recording_only, quiet_open, no_stage_count_in, no_crowd_fx] [instrumentation piano_primary, orchestral_strings, minimal_drums, tom_swells, soft_cymbal_washes, rounded_bass, electric_guitars_background_texture, centered_intro, mono_centered_intro, no_hard_panning, balanced_stereo_field] [production studio_dry_close, no_live_reverb, no_stage_mics, no_call_and_response, cinematic_swell, analog_warmth] [mood gothic_melancholy, fragile_to_fierce, nocturnal_tension] [mix dry_vocal, dry_piano, vocal_forward, piano_forward, strings_wide_in_chorus, drums_tucked, controlled_reverb_tails, no_room_mic_sound, no_crowd_ambience] [section verse_pre_chorus_chorus_verse_pre_chorus_chorus_bridge_final_chorus] [Verse 1] That porch light used to stay on Like somebody planned on my return Burning through the hard weather Holding steady through the storms Not for the mail or passing traffic Not for the neighbors on the street It was saying, “You can find us” It was saying, “Come to me” When I was younger, I believed it Like it meant something for my name Like if the bulb was still burning Then I would not show up late [Pre-Chorus] I told myself I outgrew it I told myself I moved on But I still measure every distance By what is waiting when I am gone [Chorus] Keep the porch light off Keep the porch light off If it is dark, I can pretend Nothing changed when I left Keep the light off Keep the light off Because a dark porch tells the truth That I am not what they want [Verse 2] Now the porch is just a shadow No warm circle on the wood No moths throwing themselves at it Like they always said they would I take one step onto the walkway Then I stop, then I stall Keys cutting cold into my fingers Like I am thirteen after all I almost climb those three front steps I almost reach for that old chain But the glass is dead and dusty And the welcome never came [Pre-Chorus] I told myself I outgrew it I told myself I moved on But my throat goes tight like a warning When the house is only gone [Chorus] Keep the porch light off Keep the porch light off If it is dark, I can pretend Nothing changed when I left Keep the light off Keep the light off Because a dark porch tells the truth That I am not what they want [Bridge] I am not asking for a sign I am not asking to be saved I just miss the old agreement That the light would clear a path Now I live by smaller lanterns Phone glow, dashboard, passing cars But none of them know my name And that is the hardest part Because the dark is not the danger It is what the dark reveals It is the porch without a welcome It is the hush that will not heal [Final Chorus] Keep the porch light off Keep the porch light off If it is dark, I can pretend Nothing changed when I left Keep the light off Keep the light off Because a dark porch tells the truth That I am not what they want Keep the porch light off Keep the porch light off I drive away and in the mirror The dark still does not blink