[Verse 1] I learned the bows before I learned your name Counted every face that turned my way The house lights rose; I held my practiced grin Then walked alone through the side door again [Pre-Chorus] I kept the program folded in my coat A list of rooms where strangers learned my name [Chorus] The clapping fills the room, then disappears I turn to tell you, but you’re not here A thousand hands can crown a borrowed name Still, no one’s waiting when I leave the stage [Verse 2] The velvet seats hold dust along the seams A paper cup, a pin beneath the beam I saved the final bow for someone dear The empty rows gave back the sound I feared [Pre-Chorus] I kept the program folded in my coat But every printed line was just a note [Chorus] The clapping fills the room, then disappears I turn to tell you, but you’re not here A thousand hands can crown a borrowed name Still, no one’s waiting when I leave the stage [Bridge] If you were here, I’d trade the standing ovation For one small laugh out by the station No curtain call, no plaque above the door Just you beside me, nothing more [Final Chorus] The clapping fills the room, then disappears I turn to tell you, but you’re not here A thousand hands can crown a borrowed name Still, no one’s waiting when I leave the stage [Outro] The house is dark; the program’s in my hand I hear one last clap—and understand
