[Intro] (Piano solo, slow and stately, gospel chords) [Verse 1] They told me keep my eyes down low Speak soft and never let it show But I got blood that won't sit still And a voice that bends to no man's will [Pre-Chorus] I've been quiet long enough Now hear me rise, now hear me rough [Chorus] I won't kneel down, I won't bow my head I'll stand on the mountain of the tears I shed I won't hush now, I won't fade to grey Freedom's on my lips and I'm here to stay [Verse 2] I've worn my sorrow like a crown I've let this world try to push me down But the night is done, the dawn is near And I got no more room for fear [Pre-Chorus] I've been quiet long enough Now hear me rise, now hear me rough [Chorus] I won't kneel down, I won't bow my head I'll stand on the mountain of the tears I shed I won't hush now, I won't fade to grey Freedom's on my lips and I'm here to stay [Bridge] (Piano builds urgently, voice rising) Sinner or saint, I am who I am A river that burst through the dam Play it loud, let the rafters ring I'm done letting others choose what I sing [Gospel Break] (Voice and piano alone, then full band) Oh, I've been down to the valley floor But I won't beg at nobody's door [Final Chorus] I won't kneel down, I won't bow my head I'll stand on the mountain of the tears I shed I won't hush now, I won't fade to grey Freedom's on my lips and I'm here to stay [Outro] (Piano alone, voice humming softly) "Freedom's on my lips... mmm... here to stay."
