[Intro – Spoken softly, low contralto, distant clock ticking, gentle rain] Another midnight, another restless soul. Come in, darling. The world has quite enough monsters without you facing them alone. [Verse 1 – Low melodic contralto, muted piano and cello] The candle bends beneath the rain, The ancient halls remember pain. A thousand years, a thousand doors, And still my footsteps cross these floors. The silver moon upon my sleeve, The ghosts have stories I believe. But should the darkness call your name, You'll find me standing just the same. [Pre-Chorus – Gentle melodic rise, restrained viola] Let thunder shake the windowpane, Let shadows dance along the grain. I've seen the kingdoms rise and fall, Yet still I answer when you call. [Chorus – Warm, grounded contralto, Celtic harp enters] I am the steward of the night, The quiet hand beside the light. When all the stars forget to shine, You'll find your way through halls of mine. No crown of gold, no throne of stone, No weary heart shall stand alone. Through every storm the heavens send, I'll guard the door until the end. [Verse 2 – Conversational singing, subtle dry humour] The kettle sings, the clock complains, A rather tiresome night of rains. The portraits whisper, curtains sway, The dreadful dust refuses to obey. And if some beast should dare appear, I'll make its purpose very clear. One raised eyebrow, one measured stare, And suddenly it's elsewhere. [Pre-Chorus – Low intimate delivery] So lay your worries by the fire, Let weary thoughts begin to tire. The world may rage beyond the gate, But here, my dear, the tea can wait. [Chorus – Rich low contralto, restrained accompaniment] I am the steward of the night, The quiet hand beside the light. When all the stars forget to shine, You'll find your way through halls of mine. No crown of gold, no throne of stone, No weary heart shall stand alone. Through every storm the heavens send, I'll guard the door until the end. [Bridge – Spoken-sung, cello and piano only, deliberate pauses] Now then... You've tracked mud across my freshly polished floor. How very brave of you. I've faced armies, curses, and the occasional apocalypse... But apparently, your boots remain my greatest adversary. [Final Refrain – Soft intimate contralto, fading Celtic harp] When midnight folds its velvet wings, And dawn awakens sleeping things, The candles fade, the shadows cease, And every wandering heart finds peace. [Outro – Quiet spoken voice, antique clock chimes] Rest now, darling. I'll keep the lantern burning. And do take your boots off next time. Honestly.
