[INTRO solo female vocal, no lyrics at first, low soft “mm” humming on one note, gradually blooming into a simple wordless melody, no instruments, no backing vocals yet] [VERSE 1 solo voice, low warm chest register, very intimate] Mum would stand at the window every Christmas Eve Candles in the glass and tinsel on her sleeve Neighbours in their doorways, breathing in the cold She’d sing until the stars felt close and bold [PRE-CHORUS still solo, voice lifts a little, hint of head tone] I used to hide behind the curtain, mouthing every line Thinking when she’s gone, that voice won’t ever sound like mine [CHORUS big dynamic lift, first full-range moment, strong belt in upper register, then soften on last line; still only one lead voice, no harmonies] Now I’m standing where she used to be Streetlights shining down on me Every note I’m scared to start Feels like it might break my heart But if Christmas means the light you leave Burning on when you have to leave Then this song is all I’ve got to see The part of her that’s left in me [VERSE 2 drop the dynamic back down, lower range again, very close and confessional] Years went by and the choir stopped coming door to door Everyone went indoors, didn’t sing no more She got sick one winter, said “If I can’t be there Promise me you’ll sing my song out in the open air” [PRE-CHORUS same melody as before, a touch stronger, slight slide into higher notes] So now it’s me against the silence, and the dark behind the glass Hoping if I open up, the fear will finally pass [CHORUS 2 repeat chorus, more intensity, let some phrases go higher in belts, but still just single voice] Now I’m standing where she used to be Streetlights shining down on me Every note I’m scared to start Feels like it might break my heart But if Christmas means the light you leave Burning on when you have to leave Then this song is all I’ve got to see The part of her that’s left in me [BRIDGE float into high head voice at first, then build to biggest range moment; allow a few layered self-harmony “ooh”s only on held notes, all sung by the same singer] Maybe someone lost is walking past tonight Thinking every window’s warm but theirs is dark of light If they hear this voice and feel a crack of dawn That’s my mother’s Christmas gift still carrying on [FINAL CHORUS biggest dynamic arc, start a little gentler, then climb to full belts and high sustained notes; last two lines can have soft self-harmony underneath, still no instruments] So I’m standing where she used to be Streetlights shining down on me Every note I dare to start Pours her echo through my heart ’Cause if Christmas is the light you leave Burning on for those who grieve Then this song is how she stays with me Every Christmas Eve, she sings through me [OUTRO voice alone, drop back to soft high head voice, wordless “ahh” on the main melody, then finish on one low, gentle held note that fades into room reverb, no instruments, no extra vocals]
