[Verse 1] Should’ve come home more on Sundays But I kept saying “maybe next year” Chasing that paycheck two states over While your hair turned silver right here You’d call and ask if I was eating Tell me, “Son, you know I pray” I said, “Mama, I’m just busy” Didn’t know He’d call you home that way [Chorus] Now there’s an empty kitchen chair in heaven And a Bible with your name by our front door Coffee cup still waiting on the counter Like you’ll walk in, hang your coat, and laugh once more God-fearing woman, I took you for granted Thought I had forever, I was wrong Now every mile between us feels like a mountain And I’d give it all to bring you back home [Verse 2] They said you were “stable” on a Tuesday By Friday I was talking to a screen Your hand raised up to touch the camera While some machine made you breathe You still said, “Baby, God is with me” Voice so tired, but your eyes still kind I said, “Mama, I’ll be there soon” But that call was the last goodbye [Chorus] Now there’s an empty kitchen chair in heaven And a Bible with your name by our front door Coffee cup still waiting on the counter Like you’ll walk in, hang your coat, and laugh once more God-fearing woman, I took you for granted Thought I had forever, I was wrong Now every mile between us feels like a mountain And I’d give it all to bring you back home [Bridge] I replay every missed phone call Every “can’t make it this year” If love could’ve built a highway I’d have driven straight through fear But you’d say, “Son, don’t drown in sorrow I’m with Jesus, I’m all right” So I’m holding on to that old promise Till I see you on the other side [Chorus] There’s still an empty kitchen chair in heaven But I feel you when I bow my head at night I pour two cups, talk like you’re beside me Thank the Lord you raised me to walk in light God-fearing woman, I hope that you see me Trying to live the faith you passed along Till the day He lets me sit there beside you I’ll carry your love and call this house home

country, Slow, tearful country ballad with male vocals; brushed snare and soft upright bass under a gentle steel guitar. Fingerpicked acoustic leads the verses in a hushed, intimate space, then the chorus lifts with subtle piano chords and warm harmony stacks. Dynamics stay restrained, letting the vocal crack and carry the grief; final chorus strips back to acoustic and steel, barely-there pads, and a whisper-close lead., slow, sad

Kitchen Chair in Heaven