[Intro] The front door settles shut My coffee has gone cool [A1] The room has thinned to two or three My cup rests under my hand The server stacks the clean white plates You said you’d try to come by ten The empty chair faces my cup A taxi slows, then moves along The clock leans closer to the hour I tell myself there’s time enough [A2] Chairs turn upside down nearby The server wipes the counter twice Headlights cross the empty cups Then slide away along the street My spoon rests cold against the plate The minute hand moves one more mark I read your message once again And leave the question where it is [Refrain] At the last table by the window I keep your chair across from mine Each passing car becomes just light I stay a little longer still [Instrumental Solo] [Bridge] I knew before I took this seat Your careful message said enough You would not cross the town tonight I only borrowed one more hour To let the empty chair stay yours And let the knowing settle in [A3] I fold the napkin by my cup The server brings the check at last I push my chair beneath the table I lift my coat from your chair I leave some change beside the plate The clock is nearing closing time Headlights pass across the floor I step outside before they lock [Final Refrain] At the last table by the window I keep your chair across from mine Each passing car becomes just light I stay a little longer still I stay a little longer still [Outro] The window holds the empty room I take the long way home
