[Intro] [Verse 1] The clock on the wall keeps ticking past the hour he said he’d be Supper’s getting cold again, the kids already fed by me I set his plate the way he likes, the gravy still runs warm But the road outside stays empty and the night is taking form I tell myself he’s working late, or maybe just delayed Then the old familiar worry starts to settle in and stay Is he drinking in some barroom, too far gone to stand? Or lying in a muddy ditch beside that patient horse of his? [Chorus] I’ve waited through the years for a man who rarely comes I’ve kept the light on longer than a woman ever should Is he passed out in the alley, or still buying one more round? While I sit here with his dinner and the silence of this house [Verse 2] The coffee’s turned to bitterness, the window shows the dark I fold my hands and try to pray, but the words don’t leave a mark I’ve heard the stories from the town, the laughter and the names Of painted girls who keep him warm while I keep up the flame I picture him face-down in the dirt, too drunk to find the gate Or leaning on that old brown horse that never learned to hate But the truth is harder, colder, and it cuts me just the same— He’s forgotten every road that leads him back to this old place [Chorus] I’ve waited through the years for a man who rarely comes I’ve kept the light on longer than a woman ever should Is he passed out in the alley, or still buying one more round? While I sit here with his dinner and the silence of this house [Bridge] Come morning he’ll stumble in with that familiar smell Of whiskey, smoke, and someone else’s cheap perfume as well He’ll swear it was the last time, like he always does before And I’ll set another plate again, and lock the kitchen door [Final Chorus] I’ve waited through the years for a man who rarely comes I’ve kept the light on longer than a woman ever should He’s lying with the saloon girls, too lost to find his way And I’m still here with his supper… and another empty day [Outro] Just a woman And a cold plate Waiting on a man Who never learned the road back home
