Lamps On At Five

The sky turns quiet right at five oclock

I reach across to turn the small lamp on

A golden circle spreads upon the desk

Before the last few bits of light are gone

The world is softer when the light is low

The shade casts warmth across the wooden floor

We settle down and let the day rest now

And lock the chill outside the heavy door

I see the neighbors turning on their lights

Each window looks like amber in the dark

The people hurry down the sidewalk now

And leave the bench empty in the park

The world is softer when the light is low

A gentle glow fills up the living room

We pour the tea and sit together close

Without a single trace of evening gloom

The days are shorter but the heart is full

We do not miss the bright and busy sun

There is a peace in watching evening start

When all the daily work is finally done

The world is softer when the light is low

The golden lamp keeps every shadow bright

We rest our hands together in the dark

And welcome in the quiet cozy night

The little lamp will keep us warm and safe

Until the morning comes around once more

So rest your head and let the evening stay

The world is softer when the light is low

The wind is blowing down the street tonight

You kick your shoes off by the wooden frame

The chilly air stays out beyond the door

And I am so glad that you finally came

It feels so good to be inside again

Your wool coat hangs upon the metal hook

The yellow light is glowing in the hall

We leave the dark outside without a look

The afternoon went by so fast today

The shadows stretched across the kitchen floor

You put your keys right where they always go

And set your heavy bag beside the door

It feels so good to be inside again

The steam is rising from the quiet cup

We kick off boots and stretch our tired feet

And turn the soft amber reading lamp up

There is no place we really have to go

The cold outside can wander on its own

We have a quiet corner of the world

The sweetest room that we have ever known

It feels so good to be inside again

The shadows fade away against the wall

We wrap ourselves in blankets on the couch

And rest right here where winter cannot fall

The house is warm and settled for the night

We hear the wind blow softly at the pane

Just close your eyes and let the evening stay

It feels so good to be inside again

I stir the soup inside the iron pot

The carrots bubble in the savory broth

I wipe the counter with a quiet hand

And lay out silver on the linen cloth

There is enough for everyone tonight

The wooden spoon is resting on the tray

The kitchen smells like pepper and like thyme

To chase the chilly afternoon away

You walk right in and take a heavy bowl

The windows fog up from the gentle heat

We do not need to speak a lot of words

Just glad to take a little time to eat

There is enough for everyone tonight

The pot is simmering upon the stove

We share a slice of warm and crusty bread

Inside this little sanctuary of love

The wind can rattle all the windowpanes

It cannot touch the comfort that we made

We sit right here together at the board

And watch the last remaining colors fade

There is enough for everyone tonight

The soup is warm and ready on the flame

We fill our plates and pass the salt around

So happy that the gentle evening came

The pot is resting quietly now at last

We take our time and sip until we stop

There is enough for everyone tonight

And not a single drop is left behind

The brass lock turns inside the wooden door

I slide my shoulder in to push it wide

The chilly breeze stays standing on the porch

While I step softly to the floor inside

We made it back before the shadows fell

My key goes jingling in the little tray

The hallway greets us like an old friend now

And pushes all the rush of work away

I hear you kicking off your heavy boots

And hanging up your scarf beside the wall

The quiet house feels safe and sound tonight

With yellow light along the narrow hall

We made it back before the shadows fell

The rug feels soft beneath my weary feet

We shut the heavy door against the dark

And find a comfort that is quiet and sweet

Outside the streetlights glow above the lane

Inside we breathe a slow and steady breath

There is no place that we would rather be

No hurried thoughts to tire us to death

We made it back before the shadows fell

The brass key rests until tomorrow comes

We leave the chilly world beyond the latch

And listen as the steady heater hums

So lock the door and leave the day behind

The hall is calm and yellow through and through

We made it back before the shadows fell

And all I need is sitting here with you

The kitchen table holds a steady weight

I pull a wooden chair out from the wall

You set two cups down on the quiet pine

And let the quiet evening softly fall

We have all evening just to take our time

The wooden chair is steady and secure

We sit together in the amber glow

Where everything feels calm and safe and sure

Your fingers warm against the ceramic cup

You tell me how your afternoon went by

We watch the shadows lengthen on the rug

Beneath a darkening October sky

We have all evening just to take our time

The kitchen table holds our simple meal

We do not need to rush for anything

Just thankful for the comfort that we feel

The clock keeps ticking on the yellow wall

It moves much slower than it did at noon

We sink into the quiet of the room

And listen to a sweet familiar tune

We have all evening just to take our time

This chair has been right here through every year

We rest our elbows on the polished wood

And know that all we need is right in here

So pull your chair up closer to the edge

We have no reason now to run away

We have all evening just to take our time

And watch the quiet night replace the day

My feet move quickly on the pavement now

The air is crisp and sharp against my face

I pull my heavy scarf around my chin

And set a swift and steady little pace

I know that warmth is waiting just ahead

My scarf keeps out the cold along the street

I see the golden lights in windowpanes

And count the rhythm of my moving feet

The trees stand quiet as I hurry past

Their branches resting in the dimming light

I do not mind the chilly air at all

When home is getting closer in my sight

I know that warmth is waiting just ahead

My scarf is soft and woven thick and deep

The neighborhood is turning on its lamps

Before the evening settles down to sleep

In summer time I lingered on the grass

But autumn asks for boots upon the stone

There is a joy in walking fast tonight

To reach the sweetest shelter that I own

I know that warmth is waiting just ahead

My scarf feels good against the chilly wind

I reach the front gate right on schedule now

Where all the daily worries reach an end

I hit the steps and take them two by two

My scarf comes off as soon as I get in

I know that warmth is waiting just ahead

And now the cozy evening can begin

I leave the small bulb burning in the hall

It casts a gentle glow across the floor

So when you walk in from the chilly street

You see the light before you open the door

There is a light to guide you safely home

The hallway rug is waiting for your feet

It keeps the dark away from every room

And makes the quiet evening feel complete

I hear your footsteps coming up the stairs

You pause a second just to shake off rain

The golden shade reflects against the wall

And shines a little through the windowpane

There is a light to guide you safely home

The hallway walls are painted warm and clear

You drop your keys and take a gentle breath

So happy that another night is here

It does not take a big and bright display

To make a house feel easy and serene

Just one small lamp upon a corner shelf

Is all the comfort that we ever need

There is a light to guide you safely home

The hallway keeps the chill away from view

It shines upon the places where we live

And shines on everything I love in you

So leave the little hallway light turned on

It keeps its steady watch throughout the night

There is a light to guide you safely home

And keep our cozy world so warm and bright

I pour fresh water in the silver pot

And set it down upon the metal ring

We wait together in the kitchen warmth

Until the kettle starts to softly sing

The simple steam is rising in the air

The kettle whistles softly on the stove

We hold our mugs in both our open hands

Inside this little sanctuary of love

The tea bag steeps inside the heavy cup

It turns the water dark and sweet and deep

We pull our chairs up close beside the hearth

Before the world outside goes off to sleep

The simple steam is rising in the air

The kettle sits and rests its silver side

We watch the condensation on the glass

While keeping all the chilly air outside

There is a rhythm to the autumn night

That starts with water heating on the flame

It grounds our spirits in the present room

And makes us very glad the evening came

The simple steam is rising in the air

The kettle gave its happy whistle call

We sip our tea and let our shoulders rest

And watch the gentle amber shadows fall

The stove is off and everything is still

The kettle rests upon its quiet spot

The simple steam is rising in the air

And every single cup is sweet and hot

I reach across and pull the velvet drapes

They slide along the brass rod with a sound

They shut out all the dark and chilly street

And make a quiet border all around

We keep the cozy world inside our room

The heavy curtains block the evening chill

We turn away from all the dark outside

And let the quiet living room grow still

The thick cloth hangs in folds of deepest green

It keeps the drafts from sneaking through the glass

We sit down on the sofa side by side

And watch the peaceful golden hours pass

We keep the cozy world inside our room

The heavy curtains rest against the floor

They hold the lamplight right where it belongs

And keep our shelter safe forevermore

Outside the cold wind whispers through the trees

Inside we have a fire in our hearth

We do not need to look beyond the drape

To find the sweetest place on all the earth

We keep the cozy world inside our room

The heavy curtains wrap us safe and sound

We lean together in the amber glow

Where peace and quiet comfort can be found

The room is warm and tucked away tonight

The curtains hold the dark beyond the glass

We keep the cozy world inside our room

And let the quiet amber hours pass

Your soft cloth slippers wait beside the wall

Right by the iron heater where it glows

You slide your feet inside and take a breath

And feel the warmth return into your toes

There is no place we need to go tonight

Your slippers sit beside the radiator grate

We leave the busy world outside our door

And let the quiet evening set its pace

The iron heater hums a gentle song

It warms the air around our cozy chairs

We kick off boots and leave them by the mat

Without a single thought of daily cares

There is no place we need to go tonight

Your slippers keep you comfortable and warm

We sit together in the golden light

Protected from the autumn wind and storm

The autumn chill can stay outside the pane

It cannot reach the comfort that we hold

With warm wool slippers and a heavy rug

We have a defense against the cold

There is no place we need to go tonight

Your slippers rest upon the wooden floor

We lean our heads together in the dark

And ask for nothing in the world for more

The house is calm and settled in its place

Your slippers keep you cozy to the core

There is no place we need to go tonight

We are right where we belong forevermore

I pass the heavy ceramic bowl to you

The steam rises up between our quiet eyes

We sit across the table in the light

As golden evening settles in the skies

It is so good to share a simple meal

The ceramic bowl is warm within your hand

We pass the bread and take a quiet bite

Inside the cozy home that we have planned

Your face looks warm beneath the hanging lamp

You smile and say the soup tastes very good

We listen to the heater hum along

Beside the sturdy table made of wood

It is so good to share a simple meal

The ceramic bowl holds simple pumpkin soup

We talk about the little things we saw

While sitting in our happy little loop

We do not need a fancy feast tonight

Just simple food and shelter from the chill

A quiet space where two good friends can sit

And watch the evening grow completely still

It is so good to share a simple meal

The ceramic bowl is emptied to the end

We scrape our spoons and lean back in our chairs

So glad to be right here with you my friend

The plates are cleared and set inside the sink

The table stands so steady through the night

It is so good to share a simple meal

Beneath the quiet golden amber light

I flipped the switch beside the front entryway

The porch light shines its amber on the stone

It casts a little circle on the step

So no one ever feels like they're alone

The porch light guides you to the front door mat

Its amber bulb is shining through the night

It welcomes every weary footstep home

And fills the chilly doorstep with its light

I watch you walk up through the garden path

Your shadow stretching softly on the wall

You see the golden bulb above your head

And smile to see the quiet evening fall

The porch light guides you to the front door mat

Its amber bulb shines clear across the yard

It stands its guard against the coming dark

And makes the chilly walk feel much less hard

There is a comfort in a glowing house

That sends its welcome out into the street

It says that warmth is waiting just inside

Where rest and simple quietness can meet

The porch light guides you to the front door mat

Its amber bulb keeps burning soft and bright

You reach the handle and you step inside

And leave the dark out in the autumn night

The door is closed and locked up tight and safe

The porch light keeps its vigil at the door

The porch light guides you to the front door mat

And brings you home to stay forevermore

You wipe your boots upon the woolen mat

And step into the quiet entryway

You leave the autumn dust outside the threshold

And drop the heavy burdens of the day

Just step inside and let the door shut tight

The woolen mat receives your muddy shoes

We have a warm and quiet place right here

And nothing in the world left here to lose

I take your wet coat right out of your hand

And hang it up to dry beside the wall

The hallway smells like cedar wood and tea

As amber shadows lengthen down the hall

Just step inside and let the door shut tight

The woolen mat holds all the outdoor grit

We step onto the polished hardwood floor

And find a quiet place where we can sit

The outdoors has its beauty in the sun

But indoors has its comfort in the dark

We leave the chilly wind among the trees

And leave the empty pathways in the park

Just step inside and let the door shut tight

The woolen mat sits steady at our feet

We kick off everything that weighs us down

And make our quiet shelter feel complete

So take your time and shake off all the cold

The doormat holds the weather at the boundary

Just step inside and let the door shut tight

And rest right here where you belong with me

The iron radiator starts to hum

It clinks and whispers softly by the wall

It spreads a gentle wave of cozy heat

Along the floor and down the narrow hall

The radiator keeps us warm tonight

Its iron fins are hot beneath the shade

We sit beside it on the woven rug

And watch the autumn afternoon light fade

I rest my hand a second on the top

And feel the steady warmth inside the metal

Outside the chilly wind begins to blow

Inside the room is quiet and settled

The radiator keeps us warm tonight

Its gentle steam is hummning sweet and low

We rest our backs against the armchair side

And let the quiet evening softly flow

There is a simple comfort in the sound

Of metal expanding in the cozy room

It tells us that the winter cannot win

And drives away the chilly outdoor gloom

The radiator keeps us warm tonight

Its iron pipes are singing full and steady

We curl up underneath a woven plaid

And know that sleep will soon be sweet and ready

The room is warm in every single corner

The radiator hums its quiet sound

The radiator keeps us warm tonight

And keeps our little home so safe and sound

I ride the evening bus across the town

The windowpane is cold against my hand

I watch the yellow streetlamps coming on

Across the quiet amber autumn land

I saved a seat right next to me tonight

The blue bus seat is warm and steady here

I know that you are waiting at the stop

And every minute brings you much more near

The bus glides smoothly through the quiet streets

The passengers are wrapped in scarves of wool

Everyone is heading home to rest

While every heart is feeling warm and full

I saved a seat right next to me tonight

The blue bus seat is ready for your coat

We watch the dark city roll right by

And listen to the engine's low steady note

There is a comfort in the trip back home

When daytime ends and evening takes its place

We leave the bus together at our stop

And walk with gentle speed and easy pace

I saved a seat right next to me tonight

The blue bus seat was waiting just for you

We step down to the pavement side by side

With nothing else that we have got to do

We walk up to our front door in the dark

And turn the key and step into the hall

I saved a seat right next to me tonight

And now we are home together after all

I slide my notebook in my jacket pocket

And step out off the porch into the lane

The air is sharp and smells like woodsmoke now

Before the evening brings the autumn rain

Before the streetlights flicker into gold

My jacket pocket holds my weary hand

I walk along the quiet neighborhood

And feel the peaceful rhythm of the land

The sky is turning purple in the west

A few last birds are flying to their trees

I feel the chilly air upon my cheeks

And listen to the gentle evening breeze

Before the streetlights flicker into gold

My jacket pocket keeps my fingers warm

I see the warm lights shining from the roofs

That shield the families from any storm

There is a magic in this half-lit hour

When day is done but night has not quite come

I turn my steps back toward our little door

And hear the kitchen heater softly hum

Before the streetlights flicker into gold

My jacket pocket holds my house key tight

I reach our steps just as the bulbs turn on

To welcome in the quiet cozy night

The streetlamps shine their golden circles now

I step inside and shut the chilly air

Before the streetlights flicker into gold

I find my home and all the comfort there