Guard It Closely

So you call home for Christmas
It's for certain that they'll cross you off the list
And you can't go home and you won't stay here
Refusing to believe a single word they hear

Because after all when you break down 
And your back's to the wall
You're a crisis with a backbeat
A sofa and a loveseat

And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely

You're so far gone
You're so unable 
It's been so long
When you set the table 
Don't set a place for me tonight

So we head for the coastline
Let's leave tonight
For the summer and sunshine
And everything's gonna be alright

This place is a ghost town
And the coast is clear
In a place like this 
A ghost like me might find a way to disappear

Because after all when you break down 
And your back's to the wall
You're a crisis with a backbeat
A sofa and a loveseat

And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely

You're so far gone
You're so unable
It's been so long
Before you clear the table
Raise a glass for me
Did you raise a glass for me tonight

Here's to friends and family
Here's to feelings you can't fight
Here's to comfort that you find
Here's to sleeping through the night

I'll find my way
It's the best that I can say

And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely

You're so far gone
You're so unable 
It's been so long
So to friends and family
Could you say a prayer for me tonight