[Intro]
White breath fogs the windowpane,
and a trembling lantern flame.

[Verse 1]
Behind the station on a squeaking hill,
I press the snow; it answers still.
At the bottom of my pocket, a worn-out note,
your blurred name under my thumb I wrote.

[Verse 2]
Bathhouse steam threads into the sky,
a red noren whispers as people pass by.
I lift a lonely cup to my lips,
yesterday’s smile from the rim slowly drips.

[Pre-Chorus]
Even on nights that freeze me through,
when I call your name, it calls me too.

[Chorus]
Snow lantern, snow lantern,
in a world of white I search for you.
Warm tears tracing down my face,
I want to see you, only you.

[Instrumental]
(Shakuhachi and shamisen call-and-response)

[Rap]
Between snowbank walls my footsteps crunch,
one cloud of breath turns the world up a notch.
No map needed for the road I take,
I carry our promise like a pocket of flame.
By the kerosene glow words loosen slow—
“Sorry I’m late” is the truest show.
Even with numb hands I kept that spark;
the colder it gets, the closer our hearts.
At the coat’s deep seam, a folded vow:
“When spring returns”—but I’m here now.
Till then I live with the snow and stars,
my pulse goes don-don-da, healing the scars.
Window lights flicker, your shadow sways;
I’m almost home to the word that saves.
One more step and the night breathes wide—
let this song be the road; guide me inside.

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Cracks in the sky and the small stars light,
smiling like guides through the quiet night.

[Chorus 2]
Snow lantern, snow lantern,
the colder it is, the kinder it feels.
My fingers unthaw, my chest unseals—
hold me, hold me, let me heal.

[Bridge (Spoken)]
If I’m forgiven…
let me be the first to light your way.

[Final Chorus (Key up)]
Snow lantern, snow lantern,
this white night shows me the road.
Frozen words warming into “thank you”—
thank you, thank you—now I’m home.

[Outro]
The lantern softly laughs in gold,
and snow hums a lullaby, deep and old.