Listen and Stay

[Intro] Soft rain taps the window, a quiet drum in my chest I whisper to the dawn, I’m learning to trust the rest [Verse 1] waking with a ache that clings to the bones I lace my shoes, stand tall, greet the unknown A smile in the showers, mud on my boots Dancing with the storm, I’m choosing my roots [Pre-Chorus] If you’re listening, I’m calling you near There’s a weight I carry, but I won’t disappear [Chorus] Hear me, hear me, stay by my side I’m not hiding what hurts, just learning to bide Hold my hand, don’t walk away Listen, stay, through the break of day [Verse 2] Carrying battles that never show on the skin A quiet battle cry rising from within Ask for a compass when the night won’t lift A bond of understanding, a healing gift [Pre-Chorus] If you’re listening, I’m calling you near There’s a weight I carry, but I won’t disappear [Chorus] Hear me, hear me, stay by my side I’m not hiding what hurts, just learning to bide Hold my hand, don’t walk away Listen, stay, through the break of day [Bridge] Zulu: Ungayifihli imibono yakho, sicela ukusekelwa (Don’t hide your feelings, please seek support) Xhosa: Musa ukufihla ilizwe lakho; ndiyakuncedisa (Don’t hide your truth; I’ll stand with you) Nguni: Ungakhali, sicela umhlobo wakho (Don’t cry, ask for your friend) [Chorus] Hear me, hear me, stay by my side I’m not hiding what hurts, just learning to bide Hold my hand, don’t walk away Listen, stay, through the break of day [Outro] If the world looks cold, we’ll warm it with our hold Together we rise, brave and bold