[Verse 1] Bear sat beneath the crooked pine, Counting every branch by moonlight. Fox held one small ember bright, Waiting at the edge of sight. [Pre-Chorus] “Don’t hide your paws,” said Fox so low, “I know the places cold winds go.” Bear took one step across the fern, And watched the little sparks return. [Chorus] Foxfire, promise me the morning, Promise you won’t fade away. Draw your sparks around my doorway, Keep the hungry dark at bay. If your flame can find my breathing, I can find your careful heart. Foxfire, promise me the morning— We don’t have to be apart. [Verse 2] Bear had thunder in his chest, Fox had nowhere safe to rest. One had claws and one had fright, Both had slept alone at night. [Pre-Chorus] So Bear bent down and opened wide The heavy arms he used to hide. Fox placed the ember in his hand, And together they made a band. [Chorus] Foxfire, promise me the morning, Promise you won’t fade away. Draw your sparks around our shelter, Keep the hungry dark at bay. When my heartbeat starts to tremble, You can hear it, I can start. Foxfire, promise me the morning— We don’t have to be apart. [Bridge] Round and round the bright sparks flew, Gold on brown and brown on blue. Every ember, small and clear, Said, “I’m here, and you are here.” The pine stopped creaking overhead, Warmth replaced the words unsaid. [Final Chorus] Foxfire, promise me the morning, Now the eastern sky is gray. Draw your sparks around our sleeping, Till the night gives up the day. You may keep your quick feet dancing, I’ll keep watch beside your heart. Foxfire, promise me the morning— We were never far apart. [Outro] Sleep, little fox; sleep, gentle bear, Gold little circles guard the air. When the first bird lifts its song, You’ll wake together, safe and strong.
