Summer Fades in September

[Intro – soft piano arpeggios, faint cello hum] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 1 – warm piano chords, subtle shaker rhythm] I still keep the mug with the chipped rim The one you said held the best cinnamon I leave the porch light on each night Waiting for a shadow that feels right [Pre-Chorus – swelling string section, gentle snare tap] The clock ticks slow but the heart beats on Every memory’s a quiet song I know the distance won’t last too long I can feel it in the dawn [Chorus 1 – full piano and strings, tender vocal harmonies] I’ll be right here where we left off Waiting for your knock on the door Love don’t fade when the miles stretch out It just grows stronger, slow and sure [Interlude – soft piano solo, delicate violin countermelody] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 2 – warm piano, soft tambourine shake] I still walk the path by the old oak tree Where we carved our names for the world to see The leaves still fall in the same old way I still talk to you when the wind sways [Pre-Chorus 2 – swelling strings, building vocal intensity] The stars still shine the same bright glow I still dream of your smile and your hello I know the wait’s gonna end I know I can feel it in the snow [Chorus 2 – layered strings, richer vocal harmonies] I’ll be right here where we left off Waiting for your knock on the door Love don’t fade when the miles stretch out It just grows stronger, slow and sure I’ll hold the space till you’re home again No matter how long the days extend Love don’t die when the world moves fast It just waits for our next last [Bridge – sparse piano, intimate vocal delivery] I’ve kept every note you ever sent Every laugh we shared, every argument I know that love’s not just a moment’s spark It’s the quiet hope that lights the dark [Final Chorus – full orchestral swell, powerful emotional vocals] I’ll be right here where we left off Waiting for your knock on the door Love don’t fade when the miles stretch out It just grows stronger, slow and sure I’ll hold the space till you’re home again No matter how long the days extend Love don’t die when the world moves fast It just waits for our next last [Outro – fading piano, soft string fade-out] The porch light glows through the night Waiting for you, holding tight