Ember Glow

[Intro] (Instrumental intro featuring warm acoustic guitar arpeggios, subtle wooden drum taps, distant wind sounds, and faint bird calls) [Verse 1] The fire crackles low and bright Chasing shadows in the night Smell of pine and woodsmoke rise Reflected deep in weary eyes This old guitar, a trusted friend Plays melodies that never end Of rivers wide and forests deep And promises we couldn't keep The mountain sighs a lonesome tune Beneath a cold and distant moon [Chorus] Oh, Ember Glow, hold back the dawn For just a while before we're gone Sing the stories, old and true Of all the things we thought we knew This flickering light, this ancient song Where memories and dreams belong Oh, Ember Glow, hold back the dawn [Verse 2] Recall the path through summer green The brightest sights we've ever seen A lover's laugh, a whispered vow Beneath the willow's bending bough Now autumn leaves like embers fall Against the weathered cabin wall The chill sets in, the wind finds cracks Reminding us of what we lacks But in this circle, warm and small We find a shelter after all [Chorus] Oh, Ember Glow, hold back the dawn For just a while before we're gone Sing the stories, old and true Of all the things we thought we knew This flickering light, this ancient song Where memories and dreams belong Oh, Ember Glow, hold back the dawn [Bridge] The road ahead is long and steep The promises we swore to keep Feel heavy now, like river stone But here, beside the fire's throne We share the burden, share the load Along this old and winding road A gentle hand, a knowing glance Can offer weary souls a chance To breathe again, to feel the spark Before we step into the dark [Chorus] Oh, Ember Glow, hold back the dawn For just a while before we're gone Sing the stories, old and true Of all the things we thought we knew This flickering light, this ancient song Where memories and dreams belong Oh, Ember Glow, hold back the dawn [Outro] (Instrumental outro: Acoustic guitar continues the chorus melody, gradually softening. Hand percussion (tambourine shimmers, light drum taps) fades. Nature sounds (wind, distant owl hoot) become more prominent as the guitar finally resolves into a quiet major chord and fades completely.)