Story Behind The Song

Laurie's brother had everything going for him but got caught in a world of alcohol and drugs. His successes slowly faded as his addictions took over. He would show up on cold nights at her house, as if a guest. The family did all they could to help him b

Song Description

A song about a brother who lost his way. Showed up at sisters house from time to time as if a "Guest" In the end, he died a lonely death..

Lyrics

A Guest In This House

A guest showed up for dinner-to a feast laid out with love
lay down your burden brother-you can have the room above

The feast you see is simple-but it fills a heart and soul
with the kind of sustenance-not found with green and gold

You're not a guest in this house
We know your heart so well
We offer up our shelter
A place for you to dwell
You're not a guest in this house
You're my brother and I know
You're searching for a shelter
As the cold and harsh winds blow

You hurry in your raggedness-A bag you drag behind
It's filled with so much sadness-Every heartache you could find

It's been through many storms-I see the scars and lines
Unpack it in the corner there-One heartache at a time

You're not a guest in this house
Take a chair there by the fire
Let your eyes rest on the embers
Till your body starts to tire
You're not a guest in this house
I know I've seen you in the past
But I hardly recognize you
Now your image fading fast

A guest can come and go
leave bits and pieces of a soul
take what's placed before him
Leaving broken hearts of gold

A guest can leave in silence
Forget to say goodbye
But family only prays that
He'll find wings so he can fly

You've been a guest in this house
And your echo still resounds
I'll open doors and windows
So your spirit won't stay bound
You've been a guest in this house
Hope you're free now of your fears
Find an open harbor as the storm draws near