[Intro] (short, a match strikes, a candle flame crackles, piano motif enters immediately, no long drone) (spoken, low) One gum. One flame. [Verse 1] They poured the wax in the shape of a Draco Lit the wick where the muzzle supposed to go It sweats wax on the table, burning slow A little sun in the shape of a shadow Wax dripping down like tears it never cried Every drop of wax is a day I won't get back [Pre-Chorus] And it shivers when the wind slips through the room So I guard this little flame like I couldn't guard you [Chorus] One gum, one flame, tell me what's the difference Both of 'em burn, both of 'em leave you missing A candle gives light, gum takes it away This one does both, so all I do is pray One gum, one flame [Verse 2] I light it for my brother who ain't coming home For the names on the t-shirts that the city owns For every mother lighting candles of her own A vigil in the window, keeping watch alone The news says another one like it's a score I count the drips of wax and I can't count no more [Pre-Chorus] And it shivers when the wind slips through the room Hold my breath — one wrong breeze and it's a funeral soon [Chorus] One gum, one flame, tell me what's the difference Both of 'em burn, both of 'em leave you missing A candle gives light, gum takes it away This one does both, so all I do is pray One gum, one flame [Bridge] What happens when the wax runs down to nothing? Do we light another one, or do we finally learn? Or do we watch it flicker till it's our turn? (beat drops out, one piano note) Don't let it go out. [Final Chorus] One gum, one flame, tell me what's the difference Both of 'em burn, both of 'em leave you missing A candle gives light, gum takes it away This one does both, so all I do is pray I'll keep it burning while I got breath to give Cause long as there's light, there's a reason to live One gum, one flame [Outro] (whispered) Don't let it go out.
