*Inspired by “Columbine” — S.A. Griffin, April 28, 1999* **[Intro — Soft piano, almost whispered]** Where is God when the pain won't leave? When there's nothing left but memories? When a mother's arms are empty tonight, And the world keeps turning like everything's all right? **[Verse 1]** There were little shoes beside the door, Books and crayons on the bedroom floor. A thousand dreams still waiting to come true, A world of things those children never knew. We bow our heads, we whisper their names, We search for answers, we search for blame. But nothing can mend what violence has torn, Or give back the lives of the children we mourn. **[Pre-Chorus]** And somewhere a mother is crying tonight, Holding a photograph close to her heart. How do you tell her the world will be fine, When hers has been torn apart? **[Chorus — Emotional, building]** Please, let them grow up, Let them laugh, let them play. Let them wake to a thousand tomorrows, Let them dream their dreams away. Let them run into loving arms, Let them dance beneath the rain. No child should have to survive their childhood, No mother should know that pain. Oh, please, let them grow up, Please, let them grow up. **[Verse 2 — Gentle acoustic guitar joins]** Let them chase the butterflies, Let them dance beneath the skies. Let them laugh and let them run, Let them grow beneath the sun. Let their dreams be wild and free, Let them become who they're meant to be. No child should learn to live in fear, Or wonder if tomorrow will be here. **[Chorus — Fuller, with soft harmonies]** Please, let them grow up, Let them laugh, let them play. Let them wake to a thousand tomorrows, Let them dream their dreams away. Let them run into loving arms, Let them dance beneath the rain. No child should have to survive their childhood, No mother should know that pain. **[Bridge — Instruments fall away, intimate female vocal]** I know the sorrow of losing a child, The empty arms, the tears, the miles. My pain no greater than theirs, Their pain no greater than mine. Pain is simply pain, It ravages the heart and mind. And healing may come when we stand as one, But healing takes its time. **[Verse 3 — Slowly building toward the final chorus]** How many candles must we light? How many prayers will fill the night? How many dreams will disappear, Before our children can grow without fear? They deserve the summers, the stars, the snow, The chance to stumble, the chance to grow. First loves, first dances, the years ahead, A thousand stories still unread. **[Final Chorus — Powerful, soulful female lead with gentle choir]** Please, let them grow up, Let them laugh, let them play. Let them wake to a thousand tomorrows, Let them find their own way. Let their hearts be full of wonder, Let their dreams remain their own. Let every child know love and shelter, Let every child come safely home. Oh, please, let them grow up, Please, let them grow up. **[Outro — Piano and cello, fading to a whisper]** Where is God when the pain won't leave? Maybe in the hands that hold those who grieve. My pain no greater than theirs, Their pain no greater than mine. Pain is simply pain... Please... Let them grow up.
