[Verse 1] Morning spills across the square, The baker lifts his blind, A postman whistles down the lane, The church clock keeps the time. School shoes hurry past the green, A dog pulls at his lead, The butcher sweeps his doorway clean, The paper boy takes speed. And somewhere by the old town hall A notice has appeared; Nobody stops to read it twice, There’s nothing yet to fear. [Chorus] Oh, open the door, Let the morning in, Put the kettle on, Let another day begin. The world can change so quietly You hardly hear it move; A word becomes a custom, Then a custom becomes a rule. Open the door, There’s nothing there to see— Just another ordinary morning In a country that is free. [Verse 2] The vicar waves across the road, The market stalls unfold, Someone says the town has changed, Someone says they’re getting old. A meeting at the council hall, A leaflet through the door, A little alteration here, Then someone asks for more. “Be neighbourly,” the voices say, “Be careful what you name.” And everybody smiles politely; The town goes on the same. [Pre-Chorus] One door opens, One sign comes down, One voice whispers, “Don’t upset the town.” Nothing happens suddenly, Nothing sounds an alarm; The strangest things look ordinary When they arrive disarmed. [Chorus] Oh, open the door, Let the morning in, Put the kettle on, Let another day begin. The world can change so quietly You hardly hear it move; A word becomes a custom, Then a custom becomes a rule. Open the door, There’s nothing there to see— Just another ordinary morning In a country that is free. [Bridge — ensemble voices overlapping] “It’s only one small change.” “It doesn’t bother me.” “Live and let live.” “Why make a scene?” “Nothing’s really different.” “That isn’t what they mean.” “Don’t worry.” “Don’t argue.” “Be kind.” “Keep the peace.” [Verse 3 — quieter] Evening settles on the roofs, The shops turn out their lights, A mother draws her curtains closed, A siren cuts the night. The church bell rings as it always has, Hitch barks beside the gate; Eliza turns her key at home, Not knowing what awaits. She leaves the window open For the cool September air. Somewhere footsteps cross the square. And no one sees them there. [Final Chorus] Open the door, Let the evening in, Tomorrow looks like yesterday— So where could harm begin? The world can change so quietly You hardly hear it move; A word becomes a custom, Then a custom becomes a rule. Open the door, Turn out the light and sleep— Some things arrive on tiptoe Before they're yours to keep.
