[Verse 1] I counted every coin on the windowsill Two for the bus and one for the bill The kettle coughed, the cupboard showed through I kept my coat on like proud men do [Pre-Chorus] Then the landlord’s note slid under the door And I couldn’t pretend I had answers anymore [Chorus] Here’s my pride—take it, I’m done holding it Set it beside the doorway, let somebody step over it If you’ve got a little bread, I’ll bring an empty cup I’ve been standing by myself; now I’m asking you to lift me up [Verse 2] Mara from the corner brought a sack of rice Old Mr. Cole said, “Don’t make asking twice” A kid with a red scarf carried in wood Nobody made a speech; they just did what they could [Pre-Chorus] A hand on my shoulder, a chair pulled near The room got warmer when I let them hear [Chorus] Here’s my pride—take it, I’m done holding it Set it beside the doorway, let somebody step over it If you’ve got a little bread, I’ll bring an empty cup I’ve been standing by myself; now I’m asking you to lift me up [Bridge] No one survives on a locked front door No one gets saved by keeping score Your winter can be mine, my fire can be yours We’ll pass the little we have until it reaches every floor [Final Chorus] Here’s my pride—take it, I’m done holding it Let the whole town see the weight of it If you’ve got a little bread, I’ll bring an empty cup And when your knees give way, I’ll be the one who helps you up [Outro] The tin cup rattles, the morning comes One small mercy, then another one I set my coat down, I stay awhile And hear a dozen footsteps cross the mile
