I originally just used the word candle as a placeholder name but then started to write this story around it as I couldn't think of anything else.
It was in the window before
But he can't recall what it was for
The flickering flame
Reminds him again
He stumbles up to the door
She's standing facing the sink
He's wondering "what will she think?"
The stink of the beer
As he comes near
She can't face the smell of his drink
Candle burns in the window
Wax dripping so slow
When the candle burns out
She will go
He slumps down into a chair
Now he's sleeping and quite unaware
Of the hurt and the pain
As he hits her again
She feels that he just doesn't care
Candle burns in the window
Wax dripping so slow
When the candle burns out
She will go
She blows out the candle's flame
When will she light it again?
She heads off to bed
And nothing is said
So little of the candle remains
Candle burns in the window
Wax dripping so slow
When the candle burns out
She will go
@nadine Feb 2022
I think that the title "Candle" is perfect for this song. Great storytelling I cannot out into words. Honestly.
@jonmeta Feb 2022
This is a great idea for a song. The progress (regress?) of the candle carries us along through the song. An image that stands for a whole world. It's interesting that you used "candle" because you couldn't think of anything better. It's all in how you develop the idea. I admire your ability to tell a big story in a small space with a single image. Excellent songwriting.
@coolparadiso Feb 2022
its a good lyric - so much of this is Cohenesque. I really like this! probably my fav of yours this month! so tight all around!
@saulius Feb 2022
I like how you crafted the lyrics around the burning candle, and how you end the story suspended with the woman still at home and the candle not yet fully burned out. "When the candle burns out she will go". Undoubtedly the candle will burn out, but in what manner will she leave? Her man doesn't think twice about striking her. It's a a sad and cautionary tale.