[TITLE: WHO HOLDS THE LADDER?] [ARTIST: EARTHLING] [RESPONSE TO: “DREAMS OF A LIFETIME”] [GENRE: Reflective Americana • Porch Gospel] [TEMPO: 82 BPM] [VOCAL: Warm, conversational baritone; shared voices on the final chorus] [VERSE 1] The rain don’t ask a reason Before it finds the ground And a fence that’s broken open Still takes some climbing down You can spend a lifetime waiting For a sky that’s clear and blue Or put your hand upon the timber And see what holds for you [PRE-CHORUS] Every dream needs room to breathe Every wing needs somewhere safe to land [CHORUS] So who holds the ladder when the daylight’s gone? Who knows the words you say when something’s wrong? What road takes you home when the old road calls? Who will you tell before you fall? You can fly, my friend, you can fly Just keep your people close enough to hear you cry [VERSE 2] You’ve walked through rooms where hope felt thin And stayed to see another day Now you’re learning how to help the ones Who haven’t found their way There’s wisdom in the work you chose And courage in beginning new The people you may serve one day Need you cared for, too [PRE-CHORUS] A strong heart still can ask for help A steady hand can tremble now and then [CHORUS] So who holds the ladder when the daylight’s gone? Who knows the words you say when something’s wrong? What road takes you home when the old road calls? Who will you tell before you fall? You can fly, my friend, you can fly Just keep your people close enough to hear you cry [BRIDGE — quieter, questions passed between voices] When sleep runs short, who sees the change? When shame says “hide,” who knows your name? When helping others takes your all, Who gives you somewhere you can call? And if a hard day comes around, What helps you put your feet back on the ground? [FINAL CHORUS — voices join gradually] We’ll hold the ladder when the daylight’s gone We’ll learn the words that mean something is wrong We’ll leave a light on where the safe roads run And make the call while there’s still time to come You can fly, my friend, you can fly Your dream is still a dream when someone’s by your side [OUTRO — acoustic guitar and one close voice] Rain is falling from the sky We don’t have to know the reason why The fence is open Take your time
