[Verse 1] I learned the names of every seat The velvet aisle, the dusty heat I practiced bows in the cracked glass And waited for the house to fill at last [Pre-Chorus] They called my name; I took the light A thousand hands came down that night [Chorus] The curtain lifts, the room applauds A perfect storm of open palms I turn to tell you what it meant But every seat is vacant The sound rolls on, then disappears No one to hold the moment near I chased that roar for years and years And found an empty theater [Verse 2] My flowers wilt beside the door The paper programs line the floor I keep the ticket from that night Though no one came to share the ride [Pre-Chorus] They called my name; I took the light A thousand hands came down that night [Chorus] The curtain lifts, the room applauds A perfect storm of open palms I turn to tell you what it meant But every seat is vacant The sound rolls on, then disappears No one to hold the moment near I chased that roar for years and years And found an empty theater [Bridge] If you had been there, I could leave The bright applause and finally breathe I’d trade the echo, every cheer For one familiar voice right here [Final Chorus] The curtain lifts, the room applauds A perfect storm of open palms I turn to tell you what it meant But every seat is vacant The sound rolls on, then disappears No one to hold the moment near I chased that roar for years and years And found an empty theater [Outro] I bow once more to rows of red Then take your absence home instead
