Curtains Open

*[Slower Britpop ballad; intimate verses, jangling guitars, a sweeping chorus that builds gradually]* **[Verse 1]** I count the chimney pots beyond the window frame Watch the evening lose another argument with rain I used to keep the curtains drawn before the lamps came on Eat standing in the kitchen with the television on You left your crimson scarf across the chair last night I’ve walked past twice and left it where it lies Your cup beside the sink, your book facedown upon the bed I used to call this clutter. Now I make room instead **[Pre-Chorus]** The windows opposite turn gold For once, I leave the curtains where they fall **[Chorus]** Curtains open, let the evening in Let the neighbours see us in the light You reading on the sofa, me beside you With nowhere else I’d rather be tonight Curtains open, nothing much to show Two cups, your scarf, the radio down low I used to draw them as the daylight died Now I leave them open And sit down by your side **[Verse 2]** You’re humming to a song you taped in ’95 Miss the same few words, then get the chorus right Jenny rings from London, says she’s found a place to stay You ask her what it’s like and let her talk the night away We’ve talked about a bigger place, a garden out the back You’d like somewhere to grow things; I could learn to live with that But tonight your head’s upon my knee, your book slips to the floor I reach down for the page you’ve folded over at the corner **[Pre-Chorus 2]** A train goes past beyond the roofs You stir, then settle closer when it moves **[Chorus]** Curtains open, let the evening in Let the neighbours see us in the light You reading on the sofa, me beside you With nowhere else I’d rather be tonight Curtains open, nothing much to show Two cups, your scarf, the radio down low I used to draw them as the daylight died Now I leave them open And sit down by your side **[Bridge]** I nearly asked if you would stay Then cleared your cup and looked away You caught my sleeve and said, “What’s wrong?” I said, “I like it when you’re here” You held my hand a little while The room went quiet; you gave a smile Then asked which side I liked to sleep And put your book within your reach **[Final Chorus]** Curtains open, let the morning in Let it find us tangled in the sheets Your scarf’s still on the chair where you left it Your shoes beside my boots beneath the seat Curtains open, nothing much to show Two cups, your scarf, the radio down low I used to draw them as the daylight died Now I leave them open And wake up by your side **[Outro]** Same old roofs, a little blue You wake and ask about the view I say, “You’ll get used to it” You say, “I think I could”