I feel the trembling tingle of a sleepless night
Creep through my fingers and the moon is bright
Beams of blue come flickering through my window pane
Like gypsy moths that dance around a candle flame

And I wonder if you know
That I never understood
That although you said you'd go
Until you did I never thought you would

Moonlight used to bathe the contours of your face
While chestnut hair fell all around the pillow case
And the fragrance of your flowers rest beneath my head
A sympathy bouquet left with the love that's dead

And I wonder if you know
That I never understood
That although you said you'd go
Until you did I never thought you would

Never thought the words you said were true
Never thought you said just what you meant
Never knew how much I needed you
Never thought you'd leave, until you went

Morning comes and morning goes with no regret
And evening brings the memories I can't forget
Empty rooms that echo as I climb the stairs
And empty clothes that drape and fall on empty chairs

And I wonder if you know
That I never understood
That although you said you'd go
Until you did I never thought you would


Lyrics submitted by Novartza

Empty Chairs Lyrics as written by Don Mclean

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Empty Chairs song meanings
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    General Comment

    I think this is about a breakup, simply because of the lines "although you said you'd go ... until you did - I never thought you would"

    However, this song and DM's performance are so moving that it captures the same feeling of loss from many of life's moments: including breakup or death of a loved one.

    I even feel this captures the feeling of a single parent losing a child who has gone off to college or military. leaving the parent at home alone. Though the lyrics quite don't match that scenario, the feelings communicated in the song are quite applicable.

    I'm sure there are other situations of loss for which this song resonates.

    BTW - this is a truly brilliant song and performance.

    tsreybon September 23, 2006   Link

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