Time's up, I've got to go
I wish I didn't have to, but I know
that if I don't leave now, I'll be late
Though I'm tired, I can't afford to wait

This journey seemed easier at the start
Maybe I asked for too big of a part
But I made a promise, I took a vow
That will have to carry me for now

This burden weighs down my spirit
It'd be easy to lie down and quit
But I can't move forward by standing still
I've got to keep going up this hill

It'll be a long time before I'm free
but there are people counting on me
Right now, I have somewhere to be
So sleep will have to wait for me

I made this for you
It's not much
Just a paper flower
Folded with care

I could've gone to the store
Picked one out
Found the most beautiful flower
And bought it just for you

But this one has something special
It has my heart and soul in it
A piece of me
that's just for you

This is more than just a flower
This is my gift to you
I want you to have it
So a piece of me will always be with you

I love that face
Don't change it
I can see you inside

It's real
never fake
You're happy without smiling

I can see through you
To the smile on the inside
It's in your eyes

Among the changing leaves
The pumpkins, the corn, the scarecrows
Something different came along
something we didn't understand

They frightened us, these new things
They were bizarre, weird, creepy
To cope with this, we made a label
We called them "monsters"

In our fear of the strange
We couldn't see the obvious
That what we thought were monsters
were just people who were different

So embrace the strange
Because they're not monsters
They're just different
And different doesn't have to be scary

Life didn't go as planned
Though you thought it all in hand
Even though your plans fell through
There's nothing wrong with you

It's not because of the way you look
Nor because of the abuse you took
You might have a different point of view
But there's nothing wrong with you

It's not because your voice is strange
You certainly don't need to change
Everything is my favorite part about you
So you know there's nothing wrong with you

No matter how much life knocks you down
Get back up and keep reaching for that crown
It's up to you to see your journey through
Because there's nothing wrong with you

I try to get in
I try to push past
the walls keeping me stuck
in the supporting cast

I smile and nod
I try to talk
But I know I don't belong
Eventually, away I'll walk

I want to try
I want to fit in
But what's natural to others
only leaves me with questions

I'm stuck on the outside
A stranger among friends
I don't know when this feeling stops
I don't know if it ever ends

So I'll keep walking
and hum my own song
dreaming of that place
where I can belong

Not every superhero wears a mask
Some can only wear a smile
Showing that they understand another's problems
As they work to guide people out of the dark

Not every superhero has gadgets
Some of them wear bright vests
announcing to the world that help is on the way
as smoke and debris fills the air

Not every superhero wears a cape
Some of them wear surgical masks and gloves
Struggling every day to make a difference
against overwhelming odds

Not every superhero has superpowers
Most of them are ordinary people
that when the world was ending, stopped
and asked "How can I help?"

You're not like them
Maybe you act a bit different
Or you don't look like everyone else
Or they don't understand you when you talk

You laugh when everyone else cries
You scream when everyone else laughs
The wrong words slip out
At the worst possible times

I've done those things too
We're not the same as everyone else
But we can find a place together
Just the two of us

One day, they'll accept us
Because there's nothing wrong with us
But until they see that,
We can spend our time alone, together

No matter what your problem
No matter how bad it seems
Know that if you ask
I will sit and listen

Even if you just want to talk
Maybe about something silly
If you need someone
I will sit and listen

Maybe you want to ramble on
about something in life you love
I may not understand it
but I will sit and listen

I will make the time
I will work to focus
You are important to me
So I will sit and listen

Includes:

Somewhere warm to hide under during a storm
Someone to love when times are tough
Something soft to cuddle when it's hard
Some reason to keep going even when it's rough
Some good friends to remind you that you matter
Some good times for which to hope and pray
Someone to hold you while you cry and say
“Dry your tears.  It's gonna be okay.”

Sit right down, there's plenty of room
You'll see happiness and joy bloom
Squeeze in if you have to, we're all family here
There's more than just us, we're far and near
It's fine if you don't know everyone's name
You're part of the family all the same

Are you hungry?  Don't hesitate to say
Take some for later if you're going your own way
There's plenty here for everyone
Stick around, we're sure it will be fun
It's fine if you don't know everyone's name
You're part of the family all the same

Are you staying, or just stopping by?
We might ask, but you don't have to say why
There's always a place for you here
So stop by and see us again next year
Any ideas of being a loner, of yourself disavow
Because you're part of the family now

When you're falling down
When all hope is gone
And you can't carry on
Look up and remember these words

There's so much color to see
There's so much music to hear
You don't need to go anywhere
Only sit still just a moment

Open your mind to it
Let it into your heart
There's so much beauty in this world
And you don't want to miss it

You're a part of it
It might be hard to see it
But it's not just around you
It's inside you too

You're beautiful the way you are
I sincerely hope you know that
Open yourself to the beauty of this world
And be the best you can be

A stroke of lightning
Everything is on fire
What could we have done?

Bombs fall and friends die
On this day, black as the smoke
That now fills the air

That smoke fills the air
The only light we can see
is from burning ships

We will not back down
As dark as the day now looks
Brighter it will be

The waves get higher
crashing all around me
I lost sight of the port
amidst the raging sea

I'm clinging tightly
My hands have grown sore
Rain pelts the boat
In unending downpour

I don't know where to go
All I can do is guess and hope
Longing for some release
To do more than just cope

But there's no end to this storm
No harbor or port of safety
But I'm going to keep going
I won't let it take me

I can still see the sun
Though sometimes it may hide
That flicker of light in the darkness
Tells me that I can survive

Won't you share with me
a slice of community?
There's plenty for everyone
So why don't you have some?
It's sweetened with friendship
And unharmed by hardship
It's crisp from our strength
It stretches the length
Of the town, so let's share
It's a great way to show that we care
So come share with me
a slice of community

It's been a long journey
and though we don't know where it ends
We're almost there
I can feel it

It's been a difficult journey
Those who could walk, walked
Those who couldn't walk, we carried
But we couldn't carry everyone

It's been a strange journey
Different than anything we've faced before
We mustn't forget all that we've learned
We mustn't forget all that we've lost

It's been a tiring journey
The end is still far away
But if we walk together
I know we'll make it

When I was young, and bigger kids would push me down
I wanted to push them back
But you told me "No, that won't help."

When I was older, and other people hurt me
I wanted to hurt them back.
But you told me "No, that won't heal the pain."

When people tricked me and hurt me with their lies
I wanted to see them in pain too.
But you told me "No, it won't change anything."

When I saw other people in pain,
I wanted to fix it.
But you told me "There's nothing you can do."

Then I saw other people that loved them
Other people that wanted to fix it.
And I said "I'm here for you."

And you said "Yes.  That's helping."

Now I look out and see people that don't know
People that try to push back.
People that try to heal their pain by causing more.
People that hurt themselves trying to help others.
And I know why they're like that.

They didn't have you.

Now it's my turn.
There's someone who doesn't know
Someone that needs me to show him
I'll show him the right way.
I know I can do it.
Because I had you.

Remember when this started?
This whole unending nightmare
It began, and darkness fell
We were all scared

It's frustrating to see
People in charge doing nothing
It's hard to see an end
to this endless night

We're still scared
People still do nothing
But we've seen the best in others
The spark of hope in the dark

We've made it this far
It's still a long way to go
But we'll get there
And we'll do it together

It's hard to think about tomorrow
When we're so busy surviving today
But no matter how bad things get
It's gonna be okay

Even though we're all suffering
and although friends are far away
We're still sticking together
So it's gonna be okay

The world outside looks so bleak
But this night isn't going to stay
This is only the dark before the dawn
It's gonna be okay

Things are going to get better soon
Because we'll all work to make them that way
United, we can do anything
So I know it's gonna be okay

Every time I make a mistake
That mistake creates
another vulture circling
Hanging there, waiting
To remind me of that time
I was less than I could be

There are many of them there
It scares me to think
That another could appear
Other people must be able to see them
They must remember that time
That I was less than they wanted me to be

With so many mistakes over my head
That everyone else can see
They must be thinking to themselves
That something's wrong with me
Deep down, they must know what I know
That I'm a mistake

But in time I learned
That other people don't see them
No, they don't care,
because they've made mistakes too
Even though I make mistakes
that does not make me a mistake

Beware the Shadow People
That sit in the dark corners
They shout and mock
Where no one can see them

If you argue, they attack you
They call you a liar, a fake
Kindness confuses them
So they feed on hate

They act strong
it's easy when you can't see them
But get them into the light
And they're small, so small

They're all different
as are you and I
So one must know them
to shine the light

And remember
The Shadow People
are still people
so be kind

On that first day of school
when you didn't know anyone at all
I was there so you wouldn't feel afraid.

Over the summer, when everyone else had gone off to camp
I was there to run through the fields with you.
We were wizards fighting dragons, or pirates sailing the seas.
We played all day until your mom and dad came and got you.

Or that time when you tried getting an extra cookie
I was there to be the lookout.
I wasn't very good at it.
Sorry about that.

We laughed and played.
We sang and we danced.
And we were there to have fun
for as long as we could.

But then one day, things changed.
The fun stopped, and the work started.
You were always too busy with school.
And when you weren't, you went out with friends.
I don't think you noticed me anymore.
But still, I was there.

When that one friend yelled at you,
I was there when they slammed the door.
Or that other friend that just never showed up.
I was there when you locked yourself in your room.
I don't think you knew I could hear you crying.

As the days went by, I watched you change.
No matter what happened, no matter what you did,
I was there, just in case you needed a friend.

Then one day, you looked up at me and said
"Hello"
And I smiled and said
"Hello"

And we talked like we used to.
We drifted away
back to those shining days.
And for a moment,
we were there together.

It didn't last long.
Soon, you had to go away.
I was there when your parents left you
at that strange place you called "college".

I was there then.
I'm here now.
And I'll be there tomorrow.
Because that's what friends are for.

With love,
Your Imaginary Friend

You didn't know what was best
You pushed me around like the rest
Deceptive, condescending
The secrets unending
Determined to run my life
Then leave me to deal with the strife
Until everything fell apart
I fell, weighed down by a broken heart
When I thought everything was lost to me
You held out your arms and caught me

You told me that
I could fly
All I had
to do was try
With your guidance
I made it through
All that time
looking up to you
No one else
understood me
But you brought out
the best in me

Everything got harder
but you pushed me farther
You kept me on the right path
even when I was stabbed in the back
Then you left and I had to make do
But I still didn't need to live without you

I was in trouble
Nowhere to go
Out of options,
but not alone
When darkness fell
You stood tall
You smiled at me,
then you were gone
It's been an honor
to be your friend
You said to me
at the end

I can't see the path, I'm lost
By the storm and winds, I'm tossed
I asked what I should do
I wondered what you would do
Mistake after mistake
It was too much to take
Then I almost died
and imagined you at my side
I knew then just what you'd say
Help them out; show them the way

Step by step,
I'm on my way
Moving forward
every day
I'll keep an eye on
those who need me
Using the strength
that you taught me
I'll make you proud
I've got to try
Because of you
I know I can fly

In the grand scheme of our world
we're all pieces of a chain
linked together with trust
to do our part and pass it on again

We must be able to rely on the other pieces
To place trust in them to do their jobs
To know they'll get the work done
To be more than a series of angry mobs

If we can't rely on the other pieces
The links in the chain would crumble
There'd be no order left standing
Only chaos to toss and tumble

There must be some reliability
Accountability, discipline, and trust
They keep our world turning
without them we're little more than dust

Be proud of your place in the chain
Whatever you do, give it your all
Our world relies on you as much as me
And we can't let it fall

War
Started by a single shot
No good or evil
Only humans

People
Stricken by fear
Ordered to fight
No matter how bad it got

Music
Sung by one side
Then the other
Soon everyone sings

Peace
For just one night
A truce struck without generals
A decision made by soldiers

Magic
It's real
This is what it looks like

I used to be weak and small
All I ever did was fall
I wanted a fairy tale
Even though I always fail
I think I can do it

It was hard at first
I must've been the worst
But I made friends who showed me
I had the strength inside me
I could be strong

They hadn't given up on me

Day by day, I got stronger
A victim no longer
I could smile and help others
My friends, like sisters and brothers
I was always there for them

But a monster crept inside
Divided us with her lies
Everyone could see it, but I was blind
So I left them behind
I turned my back on them

But I haven't given up on them

All alone, I can't find my way
I listened to lies and hate
A better world I sought
But with my friends I fought
I don't blame them for leaving me

When finally I'd woken up
I realized that inside I was broken up
I did what I could to make it right
I tried so hard to stop the fight
But too little too late

My friends had given up on me

I found comfort with so few
I found myself unable to
Understand why anyone should care
Why anyone would dare
Get too close to me

I thought someone might try
But it was all another lie
Betrayed by my last friend...
No.  Wrong again.
I still have a few friends

They haven't all given up on me

I broke out of my trance
And gave him another chance
I showed him a better way
I saw him change day by day
He wants to change too

I set him free
He sided with me
Against his family
Against society
Now he's dead because of me

But my friends haven't given up on me

It's hard to see the light
Struggling to do what's right
But I'm not a traitor anymore
I'm going to help stop this war
I can keep moving forward

I'm going to get stronger
Crying no longer
Because now I know
I don't have to go it alone
Sometimes, even the best need help

I haven't given up on me

Lost in the dark
it feels like no one's there
But there's always someone
Someone who cares

It's okay not to fit in
This just isn't your place
When in doubt, look inside
And you'll find a smiling face

Somewhere out there
You'll find a reason to keep going
To open your eyes and see the sun
and that the future before you is glowing

So look to the rising sun
You are as bright as the sky
It's time to begin your journey
Don't be afraid; spread your wings and fly

Oh, my sad prince
I can see the dark in your eyes
It's closing in again, isn't it?
Cutting off the sun and blackening the skies.

I hate to see you this way
So downcast and forlorn
No one else sees it,
They neither weep nor mourn

I used to fear
that I'd see nothing more
That the light in you would die
And you'd lose the fight and the war

Now I know there is more
I see something in your eyes
Not pain, not misery
But an idea on the rise

You found your way out of the dark
All you needed was a paper and pen
So don't lose hope, my love
For the light will shine again

Sometimes, it's okay to lie
Small, tiny things that don't matter
But you have to keep account of it
Watch them closely, don't let them scatter

Sincerity isn't always honest
She can't always stay true
Even she has to lie sometimes
She has bad days too

When someone won't understand the truth
Or when it will simply hurt too much
But tell too many lies
and they will turn into a crutch

Be honest as much as you can
Live your life with sincerity
Remember to consider others' feelings
And always use it responsibly

I'm so glad you're here
you've given everyone cheer
So I'd just like to say
That you made a difference today

You don't have to be the funniest voice
You don't need to make the most noise
You only have to be near
Because you made a difference here

Showing up shows you care
Even though there's a fare
It's not the same without you
You make a difference, you do

You're different from the rest
You don't have to pass some fancy test
Seeing you improved my day
So you made a difference today

It happens again and again
I heard the beauty you made
And now I have to speak louder
Making my voice heard over yours
Thinking, knowing that my words
will be held up to yours
even if others aren't doing it
I still am, I hear how my words sound
This doesn't sound right
This doesn't flow right
This doesn't feel right
And now, once again, I'm in that hole
It isn't your fault, it's mine
I put myself there every time
Now I have to climb up, struggling to get free
to find what I know is me
But it isn't right yet
And I don't know if it ever will be
But I have to keep climbing
To get out of the hole I dig
Because I hate it down there
And I want to be free

(Toad)
I never knew how to be strong
I always thought there was something wrong
with me, but she made me see
And now the only person who believed in me
is gone

(Moon)
I believe in you too
I only wish I knew what to do
I'm always too confused
To be of any use
But I'll try to be here for you

(Both)
Now it's up to us
Our friends won't even discuss
The possibility
of hostility
We're drifting alone in the dark
But there's still a small spark
of hope

(Toad)
You ran away
I only wish you'd say
Why you did it
I could've stopped it
I'll always be there to save
you

(Moon)
I don't want to be saved
I'm only trying to be brave
Like you and my sister
I want to stop something sinister
Before it's too late to save
you

(Both)
You're my everything
But you won't tell me anything
I only want to help you,
I can't live without you
We're drifting apart in the dark
But there's still a small spark
of hope

(Moon)
I dreamed about you today
I wish I had the courage to ask you to stay
But I don't know if I'm strong enough
My world is just too rough
And I don't know if I can find my way
anymore

(Toad)
That woman that took your eyes
I swear that I'll be her demise
I know she's coming
But I'm not running
There will be no more cries
anymore

(Both)
We were put to the test
and though we tried our best
We couldn't win alone
But we're not alone
We're drifting together in the dark
So there's still a small spark
of hope

(Moon)
You saved my life by giving yours
Trapped behind closed doors
I can still hear your voice
So I'm making my choice
I'm drifting alone in the dark
But I've still got a small spark
of you

I'm scared of what will come
But united we can overcome

Each test, each war, each trial
So let's sit down and listen a while

We've got to reach over and extend a hand
Offer a chance to work together and take a stand

We can't let our differences tear us apart
We can work together, and here's where we start

There's no need to shout and scream
Let's turn this nightmare into a dream

It's no one's fault, don't think that way
If we don't see the problem, it won't go away

This beautiful land is yours and mine
This wondrous ball of joy and life

United we stand, divided we fall
So let's work together, one and all

If it were easy, we would've done it long ago
Let's finally start saying yes instead of no

We can stand tall together
We're in this now and forever

You're different from me
But we don't have to agree

Let's pledge to let peace and kindness rise
Greed and deception will be our demise

So let's stand arm in arm
Protect each other from harm

We're in this now and forever
We stand tall together

We sit down together
No work today
Classes are long since over
We can talk and laugh together

I sip my drink
While I smile at you all
It runs down my throat
Leaving a trail of flavor in its wake

It's been a long time since we've talked
Those memories from before
like tea running down my throat
wonderful but fleeting

It's all gone now
But I can order another cup
Not all the time
but sometime soon

We'll sit and drink tea together
Like the times of old

Even though you're far away
And I won't see you soon
I want you to know now
That I'm thinking about you

That time we stood around and talked
We got to know each other a little better
It's still all in my head
And for now, it'll have to do

I'm looking forward to the next time
When we get together once again
Even if it can't be long
It'll still be between us friends

That time is a long way away
So for now, know that I miss you
I'll keep you in my thoughts
And I hope you'll spare me a thought, too

Such a soft touch
My hand in yours
So simple
So gentle
May it never end

Come, let's all gather together
Don't look at the sky, ignore the weather
Leave behind your strife and disdain
And join us for another summer night on Church and Main

Bobby opens the night with some rocking tunes
Backed up by Bruce the Bassist who's kind of a loon
Pull up a chair, grab a drink, stay for the night
Make a new friend?  You never know, you just might.

Drink and eat until your stomachs are full
Then prepare yourselves for another Marc Original
Hear Jason rocking out with his own style
If you're lucky, you'll hear someone you haven't heard in a while

Up comes Frank and Jane - Sorry, Jane and Frank
So stick around, it won't break the bank
Chris and Chris are coming up to the mic
Kara's on her keys with Emily at her side, it's gonna be a great night

Jon's gonna go before it gets too late
I don't know what Don's doing, but I know it'll be great
The sun's going down, but Tim's on his guitar
So stay a little longer, don't go far

Before we go for the night, welcome EVERYONE to the stage!
When we're all together, the music leaps off the page
The only thing that can stop us is the rain
So let's enjoy these summer nights on Church and Main

The rain falls and cleanses my soul
as I dance barefoot on the grass
The trees applaud when I take a bow
They're thrilled with my show
Everyone else is inside
I don't understand why
Who would want to miss this?
Being among nature brings such bliss
The wind and rain, the sky and sea
They are all such good friends with me
I can talk with ease
to the flowers and trees
Sheltered among branches and vines
The rest of the world can't get me, I'm fine
Now I sit and dream with my friends
They'll support me until my journey ends
We listen, I to them and them to me
Like the wind, my ideas flow freely
It's the best place I could be
this world of the rain and trees

Flowers were planted here
Beautiful and delicate
I needed help to tend them
I never learned to do it alone

When no one was there to help me
Or when I pushed away others' hands
Those beautiful flowers
withered away and died

Weeds took their place
Digging their roots deep into the earth
Now that I finally see them there
I can't seem to get them out

I know how to tend the garden now
I'm trying to plant new flowers
They struggle against the weeds
Unable to blossom anymore

It's hard work to remove the weeds
But little by little, I'm pulling them out
I'll **** the garden of me
Because I want to be beautiful like those flowers

And I know I'm worth it

I took roots and stood still
allowing the world to pass me by
Until I looked up one night
and saw a shooting star fly by

You were so bright and colorful
I'd never seen something so unique
I wanted so much for you to stay
for your light to be something I could keep

I couldn't believe my eyes
when you slowed down for me
I thought maybe you'd stay
But I could see you wanted to leave

I grabbed hold and held tightly
While you thrashed and burned
Neither of us gave in
Until we'd both been hurt

So I let you go
and watched you fly away
Deep down I knew
I'd never see you again

But you came back
And this time I let you be
Because you're still a shooting star
and I'm still a tree

It doesn't take courage to ignore your fears
It takes ignorance and arrogance
Fear is the natural response to potential harm
But no matter how small that harm is
Fear can still creep in and take control
Hold you in place, stop you from acting
Muddle your mind, wipe it clean
The simplest acts seem daunting with fear in the equation
Like speaking out
Saying "hello" or "thank you"
Standing up for someone in need
Isn't it easier to stay quiet
Even when a few simple words could change your life
Fear says "it's not worth the price"
Unless courage is part of the equation
Courage isn't the lack of fear
It's telling fear "no"
Even when your heart's pounding
Your mouth's dry and your head's light
When fear tells you what could go wrong
Courage looks you in the eye and says
"Do it anyway"

It's okay to be angry
To want to lash out
To stomp your feet
and scream and shout

That's just part of life
Everyone gets like that sometimes
If you too have mad wishes
Or want to hurt people from time to time

Then it's most important to know two things
One, that doesn't make you a villain
You're not evil because you get mad
Even good people sometimes make a bad decision

Two, you're in control of how you act
Even if it doesn't always seem that way
It might take all your focus,
but you can make the feelings go away

In spite of the times we yelled at one another
We got through it together
To the years of spaceships and video games
Of action figures and code names
Through that whole time
our friendship survived

Even when I went away
And you had to stay
I came back in a hurry
and we enjoyed old movies and curry
Together, we'll thrive
and our friendship will survive

Even now, we're still together
We will be forever
Even though we're apart
It won't fade, it won't even start
We've got the rest of our lives
because true friendship survives

Fear waits around every corner
In every dark alleyway
Behind the eyes of every stranger
Sheltered in the unseen and unknown

A shadow lurking in the dark
Whispering in your ear
The predator, waiting for its prey
To let down its guard

But fear keeps us safe
Reminds us not to get too close
It's easier to let fear take hold
To shut us off from the world

It's only trying to help
And it's hard to get close
Trust and happiness are gifts
Ripped away as soon as they've been given

Fear tells us how much we'll suffer
It whispers from the dark
To remind us not to get hurt
That it's not worth the price

That's the choice of the whisper
Stay safe alone in the dark
Or risk the pain of getting close
for a fleeting moment of happiness

I know it's hard when I go away
It'd be easier if I could always stay
But here's a promise to you
I'll always come back for you

When I leave, it's tough
I think we've all had enough
I wish it would end too
So I could spend more time with you

I didn't see you learn to walk
I didn't hear you learn to talk
I'm missing more now too
But I'll always be there for you

Soon I'll be home to stay
Then we can hang out and play
Those gray skies will turn blue
Cos I'm coming home for you

Thrown off a shooting star, I drifted through space
I watched stars pass by, but none offered me their light
Then I found your star with its pale glow
I basked in its light, and offered what I could of my own

For a moment, I could see your star in the future shining next to mine
But then it flickered and dimmed, and I didn't have enough light to help
So I waited for the day when our stars would shine together.
I watched it grow brighter, day after day

It burned brighter, and brighter,
Then went out.
Leaving nothing but the cold, unending black.

I don't know when it faded.
I don't know why.
All I know is that your star is gone.

I can still see the light behind my eyes.
The warmth left on my skin hasn't turned cold.
And that small light you gave me
Is still there for me to share.

Even though your star is gone
And it will never return
Its light will never fade
so long as my star burns on.

Lost in a story I don't care
I need not but water and air

All alone, but I don't feel unwanted
The darkness is gone, the light untainted

I have neither a companion nor desire to feel loved
My fears, to the side I've shoved

My world could fall apart, but I'll survive
So long as my characters are by my side

Lost in a story, the eye of the storm
So long as I'm there, I'm safe and warm

Sometimes it might feel
like no one will listen to you
that your troubles aren't enough
for people to stop and care

There's no standard metric of pain
No scale on which your suffering may be judged
No committee to tell you it's not enough
No forms or tests or assessments

Pain is pain
Yours and mine are different
You needn't suffer more than me
For me to offer you my hand

If it hurts, speak up
I'll sit down and listen
Don't be afraid to share
I understand how you feel

Life knocks me down, I get back up
Nothing keeps me down, not forever
The storm gets worse, I rise up
I can bear some bad weather

Flying on the wings of hope
I'll soar above my fears
The sun shining on clouds below
I'll wipe away my tears

Life gets hard, I get harder
It's tough, but it's all I've got
I'll stick it through, pushing farther
Living every day for me and my lot

Flying on the wings of hope
I'll look to the rising sun
Ignore my doubts and woes
Learning to have some fun

Some days it's hard to get up
On my mistakes I sometimes dwell
But my heart won't let me give up
I know all will be well

Flying on the wings of hope
Rising above the pain
There's no time to mope
I've got to enjoy the rain

Flying on the wings of hope
Remembering the people who care
For them, for me, I'll learn to cope
And always stay in the air

Flying on the wings of hope

I used to believe in you
You always knew what to do
When the world was black as the night
You held out your hand and said it's alright
You said "I'm always here for you"

But then before my very eyes
The world was stained red by your demise
All alone you've left us
With no one to defend us
Poisoned by the snake and its lies

Those days that shone gold like the sun
The days of laughter, the days of fun
It took them from us with its scheming
And its silver fangs are still gleaming
All I want to do is run

When you finally returned
It wasn't long before I learned
You weren't the same as before
You're on another side of this war
What we had was scattered and burned

There's no one else but me
That can stop the coming tragedy
I have to choose a path ahead
Before we all wind up dead
Why does it have to be me?

Red like roses, black as the skies
Our blood now spills, our innocence dies
I don't want this to be how it ends
But you've taken so many friends
Their screams erased the lullabies

And now, my love, all we have left are goodbyes