A flash brighter than lightning overhead,
But my town is asleep
So they don't see my father coming home

I imagine him walking in the middle of this night
All the way back to us
He likes to look up at the sky as he

Steps out onto familiar ground,
Now he's rounding our corner
Now he's walking through the door

He's walking through the door

And my mother with her deadened eyes,

She comes alive

"Don't go" I plead even though I know

His strong love for us both won't keep him from the sky
I know it tears him up inside to say
"It's only one more time"

He knows it's just a lie
He wants to believe


"I need
The stars flying by me,
The earth afloat above, or below, it doesn't matter

where,
Just as long as it isn't right here


I'll be back before you know it and then
I promise you
I'll be home for good"

"Let me go with you" I have begged ever since I was a
child
I know just what he's going to say:

"I don't want you to end up like me,
Aching between
The mystery of new planets to be explored

And the comfort of this ancient discovery beneath our
feet.


You'll struggle to give up that which you love
And it's not easy
Son, just please promise me

You won't become like me."

I just nod and let go even though I know

His strong love for us both won't keep him from the sky
I know it tears him up inside to say
"It's only one more time"


A flash as bright as a rocket ship exploding,
But my town is asleep

So they don't see my father die.
I imagine him falling into the sun
And I look up at the sky.

"If only you would have stayed this time"
Now he's rounding the corner
Now he's walking through the door

Please, just walk through that door.

You'll just disappoint your family

Every time you leave

You never kept your promise,

So I'm not keeping mine
Wake me at sunset
So I can say goodbye.