[Verse 1] “He might, if he knew Finbar died,” I say, The words come out too steady for the room. Zabulon’s dark eyes find me where I stand; He answers like the verdict came too soon. [Pre-Chorus] “His father cast him out,” he says, “He’ll call it what a rebel earns. A son who chose the road alone— A name he’s done with, nothing more.” [Chorus] You want me sent to Batyah, Then let me stand before the king. The worst he does is turn me down; At least we’ll know what truth can bring. You say his heart is set in stone— I ask you, is it really so? There’s one thought I keep behind my teeth: He’s not your father. I won’t let it show. [Verse 2] “You think he’s truly heartless?” I ask, And swallow what I almost say. The silence holds the shape of someone else, A shadow I refuse to name today. [Pre-Chorus] If Finbar’s gone, then let that truth Be more than gossip passed along. A meeting doesn’t make him kind; It only gives us room to ask. [Chorus] You want me sent to Batyah, Then let me stand before the king. The worst he does is turn me down; At least we’ll know what truth can bring. You say his heart is set in stone— I ask you, is it really so? There’s one thought I keep behind my teeth: He’s not your father. I won’t let it show. [Bridge] Don’t decide the answer for him. Don’t make a grave out of a name. Give me one door, one honest question; Let the king refuse me to my face. [Final Chorus] You want me sent to Batyah, Then let me stand before the king. The worst he does is turn me down; At least we’ll know what truth can bring. You say his heart is set in stone— I ask you, is it really so? I hold the thought behind my teeth: He’s not your father. Now you know. [Outro] “He might, if he knew Finbar died,” I say again, and wait.
