[Verse 1]
Sunday at six when they close both the gates
A widowed pair, still sitting there
Wonder if they're late for church
And it's cold, so they fasten their coats
And cross the grass, they're always last
[Chorus]
Passing by the padlocked swings
The roundabout still turning
Ahead they see a small girl
On her way home with a pram
[Verse 2]
Inside the archway the priest greets them
With a courteous nod, he's close to God
Looking back at days of four instead of two
Years seem so few (Four instead of two)
Heads bent in prayer for friends not there
[Chorus]
Leaving two pence on the plate
They hurry down the path and through the gate
And wait to board the bus
That ambles down the street
For Absent Friends was written by Peter Gabriel & Steve Hackett & Mike Rutherford & Phil Collins & Tony Banks.
For Absent Friends was produced by John Anthony.
Genesis released For Absent Friends on Fri Nov 12 1971.