## Walking Together: Songs for Solidarity ## This is an entry in the Walking Together songwriting contest. The WEF estimates there are over 150 million people without homes worldwide. This project is aimed at supporting efforts to help people "made of potential" out of homelessness in co-operation with Homeless Entrepreneurs. The winning song will be chosen as an anthem for HE's upcoming "Great Walk" and featured in a music video by David Israel. For more details and to find out how you can enter, visit songs-for-solidarity.web.app To see entries, check out the playlist here: https://suno.com/playlist/a6521e67-4924-41b8-a5aa-bf4564ae2cea There’s a bench on Main Street, my throne for the night, Underneath the buzzing neon light. My kingdom’s built on cardboard, tattered and torn, But every man’s a king in the places they’re worn. I see their suits and ties, they look so strong, But I’ve been carrying burdens twice as long. They don’t know the battles behind my eyes, But tell me, who taught them that men can’t cry? I’m a ghost in their story, but I’m flesh and bone, This pavement’s my palace, though I’m alone. And the weight of the world can crush a man, Doesn’t matter if you’ve got a roof or a plan. They say, “Hold it together, you’ll be just fine,” But the cracks in my armor don’t mean I’m blind. So I’ll wear this crown made of rust and rain, And carry my scars like a king in pain. This cardboard kingdom’s not what it seems, But even here, I can chase my dreams. There’s a photo in my pocket, creased and torn, Of a girl I loved before my heart was worn. She said, “Be a man, hold your head up high,” But how do you fight when you’re running dry? The world calls you “lazy,” says you’re to blame, But they don’t know your story, just your shame. I tried to speak, but the words felt weak, In a world where men aren’t supposed to weep. I’m not broken, just bruised and bruising, Living proof that life’s not always choosing. And the weight of the world can crush a man, Doesn’t matter if you’ve got a roof or a plan. They say, “Hold it together, you’ll be just fine,” But the cracks in my armor don’t mean I’m blind. So I’ll wear this crown made of rust and rain, And carry my scars like a king in pain. This cardboard kingdom’s not what it seems, But even here, I can chase my dreams. The streetlights flicker like a judgment stare, But strength isn’t silence, it’s showing you care. To the fathers and brothers hiding their fears, It’s okay to crumble; we’re all just veneers. And love ain’t a cure if you don’t love yourself, A lesson I learned when I lost my wealth. And the weight of the world can crush a man, Doesn’t matter if you’ve got a roof or a plan. They say, “Hold it together, you’ll be just fine,” But the cracks in my armor don’t mean I’m blind. So I’ll wear this crown made of rust and rain, And carry my scars like a king in pain. This cardboard kingdom’s not what it seems, But even here, I can chase my dreams. So if you see me walking, don’t look away, There’s more to my life than where I stay. In this cardboard kingdom, I’ve found my voice, Being human’s not a failure; it’s a choice.
