Father's Vacant Chair
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m: George F. Root, 1861
w: Henry S. Washburn/Bob Sorem
Modified lyrics from original "The Vacant Chair" by H.S. Washburn

[Verse 1]
We shall meet but we shall miss him;
There will be one vacant chair.
From our souls we still address him,
as we offer up our pray'r.
At the time when we last gathered,
Love was in his sparkling eyes.
But a golden cord is severed
Since we said our last goodbyes.

[Chorus]
When we look around our table,
There is father's vacant chair.
As he leaves behind his people,
May we trust him to your care.

[Verse 2]
As we grieve with empty sadness,
Fill us with your holy peace.
Bring our hearts to feel the gladness
Of his love that will not cease.
How he strove in righteous manner,
Whether day or darkest night,
To uphold our fam'ly's honor
With compassion and with might.

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
Now we know that wreaths of glory
Evermore will deck his brow;
No more in our world of worry
Need he bend in labor low.
Rest today, our father fallen,
From this life of joy and pain,
While the tears of sons and daughters
Mingle with the heav'nly rain.

[Chorus]