Center Aisle

In November of '95, the sister of a friend of mine from high school

Committed suicide. Having never been to a funeral, I was very

Apprehensive, especially since I had been asked to play a song during

The service. Seeing her in that room along with all of those people who

Loved her and cared about her really made me think. I mainly wondered

If whatever it was that had driven her to that point could have been

Worked out in that quiet room with that group of people. I suppose

Questions just lead to more questions. I wrote this song on the way

Back home in the car.

Thank God I'm back in my car

And driving home

And driving home

'Cause the air was thin and so cold

Back in there

It was my first time

Won't be my last time

And the questions rise

Expectations fall

In light of it all

There aren't words to say

Words aren't remembered

But presence is

A good friend once told me

And he was there

He was there

But she wasn't there

It's not fair

It's not fair

What crimes have you committed

Demanding such a penance

That couldn't wait for five more minutes

And a cry for help

'Cause this room is so peaceful

And this room is so quiet

And I hate the silence

And I can't walk the center aisle

I've been here for over three hours

Behind the flowers

So beautiful and young

And so alive

And so in need of someone

Someone to talk to them

'Cause theirs are fragile lives

And I think about my brother

And how I just stood there

With my hands in my pockets

And my heart in my throat

Thank God I'm back in my car

And driving home

And driving home

But in that place I leave

All my days of taking life for granted

And the words I wrote for her

And my best friend crying

And a young girl lying

On all our hearts