The Silent Gasp

(Intro: Orchestral strings, soft piano, distant wind sounds) (Verse 1 - Soulful and tender) The morning wakes with a heavy grey The golden fields have turned to clay I hear the ghost of a river’s song Asking us where we all went wrong We built our kingdoms on hollow ground While the heartbeat of the world goes down. (Pre-Chorus - Building tension) Can you feel the fever in the breeze? Can you hear the weeping of the trees? We’re trading forever for a moment’s gold Selling the stories that our fathers told. (Chorus - Powerful, anthemic) What about the garden we were given to keep? What about the promises we swore in our sleep? The sky is screaming, but we closed our eyes Is there any truth left under these skies? Oh, let it breathe! Oh, let it rise! (Verse 2 - Gritty, more percussion) The oceans rise to meet our pride There is no place left for the wild to hide We’ve paved the soul of the ancient land With a cold heart and a greedy hand Look at the scars on the valley floor Tell me, what are we fighting for? (Chorus - Explosive, with choir backing) What about the garden we were given to keep? What about the promises we swore in our sleep? The sky is screaming, but we closed our eyes Is there any truth left under these skies? Oh, let it breathe! (Bridge - Maximum Intensity, MJ-style ad-libs/shouts) (Cry out!) What about the children? (Cry out!) What about the rain? (Cry out!) What about the mercy? (Cry out!) To wash away the stain! Does anybody care? Does anybody feel? Is any of this real?! (Guitar Solo - Epic and soaring) (Outro - Slowing down, reflective but grand) I can hear the Earth... she’s calling your name. (Aah-ooh...) Will we be the fire? Or will we be the flame? (Fade out with a single heartbeat sound)