The Amp in the Corner

I walked into the garage tonight
The dust is heavy on the floor
I found your jacket on the chair
Right where you left it years before
The amp in the corner waiting there

The calendar still says July
I wipe the shadows from my eye
And trace the scratches on the wood

Happy birthday to the steady hand
I plug the cable in the jack
I play it loud to bring you back
And let the feedback fill the room

The tubes are warming in the dark
A humming sound begins to rise
I tune the string you gave to me
And see the memory in your eyes
You taught me how to bend the note
I strike the metal with my thumb

The calendar still says July
I wipe the shadows from my eye
And trace the scratches on the wood

Happy birthday to the steady hand
I plug the cable in the jack
I play it loud to bring you back
And let the feedback fill the room

The neighbors probably hear the noise
I do not care about the time
This is the only gift I have
A rusted chord and broken rhyme
I wait for any word to come

Happy birthday to the steady hand
I plug the cable in the jack
I play it loud to bring you back
And let the feedback fill the room

You said hold the line when things go dark
Keep the rhythm in your spark
Play it loud and stand your ground
Let them hear your heavy sound

The amplifier starts to fade
The silence settles in the room
I pack the instrument away
But I will keep the power on

Happy birthday to the steady hand
I plug the cable in the jack
I play it loud to bring you back
And let the feedback fill the room