Verse 1

Dale, the gravel's froze again out by the gate
I put the salt down twice and it don't take
Mama's got the good plates out, the ones with the blue rim
She counted seven chairs and then she counted them again
You said December, you didn't say a day
So the truck's got half a tank and I'm ready either way

Chorus

The porch light stays on, brother, the porch light stays on
However late you're rolling in, it ain't ever too far gone
There's coffee in the kettle and a bed made up for one
Come snow or come whatever, the porch light stays on

Verse 2

I fixed the step you fell through when we were kids
Same nail, same board, same crooked way it sits
Dad's old coat still hangs there like it's waiting for a shift
And I ain't moved a thing, I figured that's a kind of gift
They'll ask about your work and you can tell them what you like
Just get here 'fore the church bells and you'll make it Christmas night

Chorus

The porch light stays on, brother, the porch light stays on
However late you're rolling in, it ain't ever too far gone
There's coffee in the kettle and a bed made up for one
Come snow or come whatever, the porch light stays on

Outro

Drive slow through Baker's Hollow, that curve still don't forgive
But the porch light stays on, Dale, for as long as we both live