[88 BPM, 4/4] [Intro — 4 bars] [Sparse mandolin, distant wooden flute, atmospheric electric guitar] [Verse 1 — close, quietly aching] There was a road through the cedar trees Silver where the river turned I knew no light could bring you back No matter how it burned An old light swung above the gate Though no wind moved the chain I heard a voice beyond the dark Say, “Come in from the rain” [Chorus — restrained rock lift] Follow the lantern, follow it slow I know you’re gone, but I can’t let go Step where the black water shines like glass Nothing we hold was made to last Still you go Still you go Where the lantern leads, you go [Turnaround — 2 bars] [One flute response over ringing mandolin] [Verse 2 — mysterious, gentle] I found a girl beside the stream With feathers in her hair She held a little wooden box As though it held a prayer Her eyes were green as summer storms Her hands were winter cold “Some things the dark can take from you And some are yours to hold” [Bridge — instruments fall nearly silent] The trees leaned in The stars went thin Something moved beneath the hill I heard you calling, Clareabell As though you still were here I nearly turned I nearly ran I nearly fed the dark my fear [Low toms enter; tension slowly rises] Then somewhere far behind me A little bell began to toll And something I had buried Came walking through my soul [Extended Electric Guitar Solo — 24–32 bars, no vocals] [Begin sparse and searching; warm overdrive, slow bends, long sustain] [Develop a recurring melody; leave silence between phrases] [Build to a soaring emotional peak over rising bass and deep toms] [Long aching bends, controlled vibrato, spacious delay; no shredding] [Descend gently; one distant flute answer as the last note fades] [Verse 3 — return to a bare, intimate vocal] Morning found me on the ridge With mud upon my clothes The wooden box was in my hands How it got there, no one knows Inside there was no silver key No jewel, map, or flame Only one small folded page With nothing but your name [Final Chorus — full band, grief opening into warmth] Follow the lantern, follow it home I’ll carry your love, though I walk alone Cross where the black water shines like glass The flame is gone, but the warmth will last [Pull back; voice close again] So I go Yes, I go [Brief pause] Where the lantern leads... I go [Short Instrumental Outro] [Guitar reprises the solo’s melody, then resolves] [One soft flute answer; natural decay]
