Softly singing voices, humming ancient hymns
Joining with the thousands that knew no greater sin
Than singing out their sorrow, their voices bleeding dry
Under aching southern sun, and empty southern skies
Unforgiving voices, songs that told no lies
Songs that bore the brunt of bent backs and lowered eyes
Song that called them out and carried them back in
One more day of waiting, one day of lesser sins
Is it worse to live in waiting or simply not to live?

And when I know these songs and dare to those sing these hymns
Is it any wonder that I'm waiting there with them?
I see it all behind me, unwaveringly clear
Days of angry singing, those days of ancient fear
And when I feel them with me, feel the weight of all those lives
I had better hold my head up, better not lower my eyes
Better sing songs of freedom, songs that tell no lies