Song: "I Believe What I Believe" – Soulful Gospel/R&B Cabaret Anthem
(Gospel choir swells, acoustic guitar, piano, violin, drums/cymbals/claps, soulful cabaret lead with R&B ad-libs & theatrical praise swells—steady gospel groove building to conviction explosion)[Intro – Piano chords, soft violin pad, light claps]
(Soloist raspy cabaret, choir hums conviction underneath)
[Verse 1 – Soulful lead, organ/guitar build, intimate delivery]
Lead: It is a lifestyle that I live by, (piano ripples)
To be seen and not heard unless spoken to by head authority.
It is my mission,
having love
fulfills the whole law. (violin swells soft)
[Chorus – Full choir eruption, handclaps/cymbals, hook x2]
Choir/Lead: I believe what I believe,
and doubt what I doubt,
But I don't doubt what I believe! (claps explode)
I believe what I believe,
and doubt what I doubt,
But I don't doubt what I believe!
Love covers a multitude
and He's always loving me,
As my first love!
(choir "Hallelujah!" harmony lift)
[Verse 2 – Call-response fire, drums groove, choir echoes tight]
Lead: I believe what I believe, and doubt what I doubt,
Choir: Doubt what I doubt!
Lead: But I don't doubt what I believe.
Choir: No, I don't!
Lead: Love covers a multitude
and He's always loving me,
Choir: Always loving me!
Lead: As my first love.
(R&B run: "First lo-o-ove!")[Chorus – Bigger swell, ad-libs ignite]
Lead/Choir: I believe what I believe, and doubt what I doubt,
But I don't doubt what I believe!
(Yes Lord! ad-libs fly)
(Repeat x2, violin cries over handclaps)[Bridge – Slow burn: piano/trumpet soulful, spoken-sung rising to shout]
Lead (cabaret prayer tone): As it is into heaven let it here, in me—
Love, joy, peace, freedom, and justice!
(choir whispers fruits)
Speak Lord, speak to me! (pause, violin weeps)
Create in me a pure heart,
and—make me over with Your word,
Choir swells: Pure heart!
Lead: And cover me with Your love, and know that I know You know!
(theatrical arm raise)
[Final Chorus – Explosive key change, full band/choir vamp x3]
Lead/Choir: I believe what I believe, and doubt what I doubt,
But I don't doubt what I believe!
(cymbals crash, full power)
(Repeat x3 – choir dominates, lead R&B scats: "I know-I-know-I-know!")
[Outro – Soft fade: choir harmony, piano resolves]
Choir (gentle): Love fulfills the whole law... I believe! (violin prayer closes)
Lead (whisper): First love... pure heart... Amen!
