After the Lights

**After the Lights** [Intro] [One piano note, close vocal] Click. The house goes dark. [Verse 1] The crew pulls tape up from the floor. A square of blue sticks to my shoe. The drummer folds a cracked snare stand. The last applause still shakes my hands. [Pre-Chorus] Beyond the door, the hallway hums. I hear you cough. I know the sound. [Chorus] After the lights, after the lights, the room turns back to steel and wire. You’re still here. You’re still here. After the lights, after the lights, you say my name without a mic. You’re still here. You’re still here. [Verse 2] The truck pulls out. The street goes bare. You hold my coat. I take the stairs. You ask, “Did you eat?” I shake my head. A paper bag warms your left hand. [Pre-Chorus] You pass it over. I take one bite. The door swings shut on all that noise. [Chorus] After the lights, after the lights, the room turns back to steel and wire. You’re still here. You’re still here. After the lights, after the lights, you say my name without a mic. You’re still here. You’re still here. [Instrumental Rise] [Piano motif grows into drums, guitar and strings] [Bridge] [Everything drops away] One fry goes cold between my fingers. You say, “Sit down.” I sit. For one whole minute, nobody needs a song from me. [Pause] Then you start humming the one I missed. [Final Chorus] [Full band, highest emotional lift] After the lights, after the lights, the room turns back to steel and wire. You’re still here. You’re still here. After the lights, after the lights, you say my name without a mic. I’m still here. We’re still here. [Outro] [Band falls away; only piano and Nora] You’re still here. Click.