[Intro]
lanterns after midnight tremble on the quay
like small unfinished prayers looking out to sea

[Verse 1]
Rain on the ropes and rain on the mast
rain on the hour that would not pass
someone was singing behind the inn
a song about losing and coming in

[Pre-Chorus]
I was not lonely, I was not brave
I was a candle beside a wave

[Chorus]
Lanterns after midnight, burn a little longer
show me the face I remember in dreams
wind through the shutters, make my singing stronger
carry my heart down the black silver streams

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 2]
Three in the morning, the rain became still
a boat bell answered from under the hill
if you had passed here and looked toward the flame
you would have known I was calling your name

[Bridge]
Hold back the dark, hold back the rain
let one old song remain

[Final Chorus]
Lanterns after midnight, burn a little longer
show me the face I remember in dreams
wind through the shutters, make my singing stronger
carry my heart down the black silver streams

[Outro]
lanterns after midnight tremble on the quay