[Intro — Marching timpani, guzheng and dizi in dialogue] [Verse 1 — Clear, warm soprano] We met where someone left a light, A rented room on Thursday nights. We moved the chairs into a ring; No one was asked to say a thing. A mother folded up her gloves. A young man couldn't lift his eyes. I heard my story, changed by years, In someone else's halting lines. [Pre-Chorus — Choir enters softly] We passed the water hand to hand. We let the longest silence stand. [Chorus — Lead and answering female choir] We are still the fire. (We are still here.) Come and sit beside us. (You are welcome here.) Bring the name you cannot say, Bring the weight of all these years. We are still the fire. We will keep a place right here. [Verse 2 — Stronger pulse] She told us how her sister danced, Then laughed and cried in one long breath. He showed a photograph around; We learned the face behind his grief. I spoke of apples cut in two, The walking stick, the leaking roof. They knew the little things could hold The largest part of loving you. [Chorus — Full orchestra] We are still the fire. (We are still here.) Come and sit beside us. (You are welcome here.) Bring the name you cannot say, Bring the weight of all these years. We are still the fire. We will keep a place right here. [Bridge — Unaccompanied soprano] When someone new stood at the door, I saw the face I'd worn before. I moved my chair to make some room. I said, “You can sit here.” [Final Chorus — Largest orchestral return, female choir] We are still the fire. (We are still here.) Come and sit beside us. (You are welcome here.) Bring the name you cannot say, Bring the weight of all these years. We are still the fire. We will keep a place right here. [Outro — Choir softens] A place right here. A place right here.
