[Verse 1]
Pressed white collar, Sunday best
Grandmother's hymnal laid to rest
Perfect posture in the pew
Notes ascending, two by two
Every measure, calculated steps
These melodies we can't forget
[Chorus]
Sunday discipline, it runs through my veins
Hallelujah's echo through this pain
Singing Ave Maria one last time
While you slipped away in perfect time
[Verse 2]
Black and white keys, memories fade
Of your hands guiding mine to play
"Stand up straight now, chin up high"
Your voice lingers as I try
To hold these notes without a crack
In my voice, no turning back
[Bridge]
And now the choir stands without you
Empty spaces between the pews
Your sheet music, dog-eared and worn
Pages yellowed, edges torn
But still I sing, still I pray
Though my faith slips day by day
[Chorus]
Sunday discipline, it runs through my veins
Hallelujah's echo through this pain
Singing Ave Maria one last time
While you slipped away in perfect time
[Verse 3]
The organ plays your favorite hymn
As memories start to wear thin
I hit each note precisely right
But something's missing in the light
That streams through stained glass windows now
Since you left, I wonder how
[Outro]
These harmonies you left behind
Still shape the contours of my mind
And though I'm breaking all your rules
Your grace notes haunt this Sunday school
But in this sanctuary's arms
I'll keep your spirit safe from harm
[Chorus]
Sunday discipline, it runs through my veins
Hallelujah's echo through this pain
Singing Ave Maria one last time
While you slipped away in perfect time