Song of the Candle Stan Rogers

I took up my pen tonight. I couldn't seem to write
It's like I got religion and then I lost the light
An old woman once told me she'd always felt that way...
She said "Taken from the mold while it still can run
A candle might not keep you from the cold
But buy another candle, son, it's not too much to pay
For one more try." And I had to smile
Before I walked away

Coffee houses bother me. I cannot tell you why
But, it never seems "hello" sounds as sweet as "goodbye"
And the waitresses, in passing, will remember all your names
They say "Look around and try to meet a single eye"
And "empty cups will mock me if I stay
But buy another coffee, Stan, now it's not too much to pay
And we will try to raise your smile
Before you walk away"

Tonight in a room full of candles another cup of ashes drains away
And, at times, it gets so hard to handle
Knowing one more simple song has swiftly taken wing
And I'm left alone to hear the song a lonely candle sings

The priest I found was nervous. He cleared his throat a lot
But, framed in stained glass windows, his eyes were lost in thought
And I said "Father, can you tell me, is some happiness my right?"
He said "Rather seek you joy, the blessings of your God
And happiness from worship in his sight
And buy another candle, son, before you start to pray
And don't forget to cross your breast
Before you walk away"