Empty Chairs

Album: American Pie (1971)
Play Video
  • I feel the trembling tingle of a sleepless night
    Creep through my fingers and the moon is bright
    Beams of blue come flickering through my window pane
    Like gypsy moths that dance around a candle flame

    And I wonder if you know
    That I never understood
    That although you said you'd go
    Until you did I never thought you would

    Moonlight used to bathe the contours of your face
    While chestnut hair fell all around the pillow case
    And the fragrance of your flowers rest beneath my head
    A sympathy bouquet left with the love that's dead

    And I wonder if you know
    That I never understood
    That although you said you'd go
    Until you did I never thought you would

    Never thought the words you said were true
    Never thought you said just what you meant
    Never knew how much I needed you
    Never thought you'd leave, until you went

    Morning comes and morning goes with no regret
    And evening brings the memories I can't forget
    Empty rooms that echo as I climb the stairs
    And empty clothes that drape and fall on empty chairs

    And I wonder if you know
    That I never understood
    That although you said you'd go
    Until you did I never thought you would Writer/s: DON MCLEAN
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • AnonymousThe "Empty chairs" is written by Buddy Holly !!!(1958)
  • Lost Love from IrelandThis song, and Crossroads, by Don McLean reminds me of my lovely wife who I lost suddenly four years ago! We had been together since I was sixteen and would have been married fifty years the following year. Both songs express "No regret" as we had a wonderful life together but, the pain of the loss is palpable in the lyrics.
  • Chas from UkThe song was written by Terri Sharpe.
  • Jerri from Walnut Creek, CaHi I heard this song covered by a woman in 1988. WHO WAS IT?
  • Bob from Burbank, CaThis song is about Don's ex-wife who used to leave her clothes draped across chairs, hence when she left he always saw "empty chairs"
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.