Guard It Closely

So you call home for Christmas
It's for certain that they'll cross you off the list
And you can't go home and you won't stay here
Refusing to believe a single word they hear

Because after all when you break down and your back's to the wall
You're a crisis with a back beat and a sofa and a love seat
And you said, "Now and then we miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here, we guard it closely"

You're so far gone, you're so unable
It's been so long
When you set the table don't set a place for me
Don't set a place for me tonight

So we head for the coastline, let's leave tonight
For the summer and sunshine and everything's gonna be alright
This place is a ghost town and the coast is clear
In a place like this, a ghost like me might find a way to disappear

Because after all when you break down and your back's to the wall
You're a crisis with a back beat and a sofa and a love seat
You said, "Now and then we miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here, we guard it closely"

You're so far gone, you're so unable
It's been so long
Before you clear the table raise a glass for me
Did you raise a glass for me tonight?

Here's to friends and family
Here's to feelings you can't fight
Here's to comfort that you find
Here's to sleeping through the night

I'll find my way, it's the best that I can say
It's the best that I can say
Now and then we miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here, we guard it closely

You're so far gone, you're so unable
It's been so long
So to friends and family
Could you say a prayer for me tonight?