[Verse 1: Male]
You left your wool scarf on the kitchen chair
Snow tucked in your hair from the walk back there
I warmed the blue cup you always choose
And watched the frost write along the view

[Verse 2: Female]
Your old coat smelled like cedar and rain
I found your note by the windowpane
It said, “Come outside, the lake has turned white”
So I took your hand into the winter night

[Chorus: Both]
When the cold comes close, I will stay by you
Through the long white miles and the mornings blue
Let the season turn, let the north wind roam
Your hand in mine is the way back home

[Verse 3: Male]
We crossed the field where the willows bowed
Our breath rose softly, a little cloud
You laughed when my boot went through the crust
And pulled me upright like you always must

[Verse 4: Female]
The porch light waited, the kettle sang
Your mittens dried where the doorway rang
I leaned my cheek on your shoulder there
While snow kept settling on the garden chairs

[Chorus: Both]
When the cold comes close, I will stay by you
Through the long white miles and the mornings blue
Let the season turn, let the north wind roam
Your hand in mine is the way back home

[Bridge: Male]
If the road disappears beneath the snow
[Bridge: Female]
If the last late train is slow to go
[Bridge: Both]
We’ll keep one lamp in the window bright
And make a summer of this small room tonight

[Final Chorus: Both]
When the cold comes close, I will stay by you
Through the long white miles and the mornings blue
Let the season turn, let the north wind roam
Your hand in mine is the way back home
Your hand in mine is the way back home

[Outro: Both]
Stay by me, while the snow falls slow
Stay by me, wherever we go