### [Verse 1] I laid two plates beneath the kitchen light, One for the man I was, one for his appetite. He wore my Sunday coat, kept my old key, And every night asked what was left of me. ### [Pre-Chorus] He knows which floorboards creak, which locks give way, The names I swore I'd never say. I let him talk, I let the silence ache, But I decide what I will give or take. ### [Chorus] I saved you a seat, but you ain't welcome anymore. Keep your hands off what I'm living for. I know your face; I know the games you play. You can haunt this house, but you don't get your way. I saved you a seat, but you ain't welcome anymore. ### [Verse 2] The gravy cooled; the house went still and small, He rattled every picture hanging in the hall. I didn't curse him, didn't beg him to leave, I slid his plate aside and finally breathed. ### [Pre-Chorus] He'll come back when the weather turns mean, With a silver tongue and hands too clean. I'll hear him knock, but I can let him wait; I know his hunger. I don't owe a plate. ### [Chorus] I saved you a seat, but you ain't welcome anymore. Keep your hands off what I'm living for. I know your face; I know the games you play. You can haunt this house, but you don't get your way. I saved you a seat, but you ain't welcome anymore. ### [Bridge] You taught me where the weak boards lie, Where my better judgment went to hide. I won't pretend you never lived in me; This is my house. I'll keep the key. ### [Final Chorus] I saved you a seat, but you ain't welcome anymore. You can knock all night; I won't open that door. I know your face; I know the games you play. You can haunt my thoughts, but you don't get your way. I saved you a seat, but you ain't welcome anymore. ### [Outro — quiet, nearly spoken] One plate, one chair, the kitchen light. I eat in peace for the first time tonight.
