[Verse 1] He sat at the edge of the old school yard, Wrapped in sleeves pulled down too hard. Coughed in the crook of a quiet hand, Countin’ cracks in the cement land. The kids ran past like he wasn’t there, Names like stones thrown through the air. He just watched the swings go by, And whispered songs to the evening sky. [Pre-Chorus] We are here today, Tryin’ to chase the gray, Lookin’ for a softer place to lay... [Chorus] One night past the barn where the fence lines break, Somethin’ moved through the silverlake. Black as coal and calm as sleep, No words, no sound — just the silent sheep. It turned its head, and he rose so still, Like he'd waited years on that quiet hill. [Verse 2] His mama kept tea on the stovetop warm, Foldin’ sweaters in a thunderstorm. The doctor’s notes lined up in a drawer, And the hallway floors creaked more and more. He’d hum old hymns ‘til the coughing stopped, Trace little prayers on the window top. Never said much, just held his breath, Like there wasn’t much left he hadn’t met. [Pre-Chorus] We are here today, Foldin’ back the fray, Hopin’ this time, the light might stay... [Chorus] Then beneath the sky gone pale and wide, That black sheep stood by the county side. Didn’t move fast, didn’t pull or plead, Just waited still like a growing seed. He stepped out slow, not a word to say — And the gate swung shut in the usual way. [Bridge] They searched the stream, they searched the wood, Found nothin’ more than a mark where he stood. Some say he ran, some say he died, But Mama swears she saw those eyes. And now and then when the wind turns strange, You’ll hear soft steps by the weather vane. [Final Chorus / Outro] It don’t cry, it don’t explain, Just shows up quiet in the autumn rain. And those who cough through every night, Might see black wool in the edge of light. We are here today, In a softer way... And maybe... that's okay.