Lay the Crown Down

[Intro — quiet, almost whispered] There is a crown And there is a choice. There is a throne And there is a voice. The world says, “Rise above.” But another voice says— Kneel. [Verse 1] Bring the robes of crimson, Bring the golden chair, Bring the finest table, Let the servants place me there. Give me songs of triumph, Give me titles carved in stone, Build a palace high enough To make the world look small. But if I am called to lead you, I must first learn how to serve. If I ask you for your burden, I must carry what you bear. [Pre-Chorus] For power is a strange thing— It grows when it is given. And a crown becomes much lighter When it isn't tightly held. [Chorus — grand, expansive] Lay the crown down. Lay the crown down. Let the mighty kneel beside the weak. Lay the crown down. Lay the crown down. Let the powerful become the ones who serve. No throne makes you greater. No robe makes you wise. The measure of a leader Is what they do when no one is watching. Lay the crown down. [Verse 2] Do not build a special doorway For the one who claims to care. Do not make the hungry wait While the honored feast upstairs. Do not call yourself a servant While you live above the rest. Do not make humility Another jewel upon your chest. If you have more, then give more. If you're stronger, bear the load. If the road is blocked for others, Walk beside them down the road. [Pre-Chorus 2] For service isn't a costume. It isn't something worn. You cannot kneel for photographs And stand above them when they're gone. [Chorus] Lay the crown down. Lay the crown down. Let the mighty kneel beside the weak. Lay the crown down. Lay the crown down. Let the powerful become the ones who serve. No throne makes you greater. No robe makes you wise. The measure of a leader Is what they do when no one is watching. Lay the crown down. [Bridge — everything falls away] Bring me no golden staircase. Bring me a basin. Bring me no throne. Bring me a table. Bring me no servants. Show me who is tired. Show me who is hungry. Show me who has been forgotten. [Final Build] If I am first— Let me go first to carry what everyone else carries. If I am strong— Let my strength become shelter for someone weaker. If I am honored— Let the honor pass through me to those who need it. If I wear the crown— Let it be the first thing I lay down. [Final Chorus — enormous, but warm] Lay the crown down. Lay the crown down. There is greater glory in the kneeling. Lay the crown down. Lay the crown down. Let the highest place become the lowest place. No throne makes you greater. No wealth makes you whole. No title makes you worthy of another human soul. Lay the crown down. [Outro — simple] And when the crown is gone, when the throne is empty, when the robes are folded away— Perhaps then we can finally see the servant. Not beneath us. Beside us.