Empty Pews & Broken Promises

(Slow, lonely guitar melody)

(Deep voice, slightly raspy)

I gave you my last... even when I had nothing.

Now I’m sitting here in this church, looking at the ceiling.

Mama says it’ll be okay.

Ebube, Favour... thanks for staying.

Let’s go.

I shared my bread when the plate was nearly empty,

Gave you my heart while the world tried to tempt me.

I didn't have a roof, just a bench and a prayer,

But whenever you called, you know I was there.

I did everything, I played every part,

But you traded my soul for a brand new start.

As soon as the storm got a little bit loud,

You disappeared like a ghost in the crowd.

No "thank you" for the days I protected your name,

Now I’m left in the cold, just me and the shame.

How could you leave when I gave you my all?

You watched me struggle, you watched me fall.

Staying in a church ‘cause we got no home,

But you left me heartless and all alone.

Now I’m nonchalant, yeah, I’m locking the door,

I don’t believe in your "love" anymore.

I’m tryna be strong, tryna keep up the pace,

While I wash the tears off my tired face.

Most of my "brothers" they headed for the exit,

Saw I was down and they didn't even text it.

But Mama stayed close, she’s the light in the dark,

Telling me God’s gonna fix every spark.

And Ebube, man, you’re the definition of real,

You stayed in the fire, you know how I feel.

Favour, you’re an angel, you held down the line,

When the world told me that I’d never be fine.

You guys are the reason I’m still breathing today,

While she’s out there throwing our memories away.

(Voice gets deeper, more emotional)

Sitting by the ocean... (echo: ocean...)

Drowning in emotions... (echo: emotions...)

I had nothing to my name, just a dream and a soul,

But you wanted the silver, you wanted the gold.

I’m homeless but I’m hopeful, I’m broken but I’m brave,

I’m digging a hole for the "old me" to grave.

I gotta love myself now... I have to.

How could you leave when I gave you my all?

You watched me struggle, you watched me fall.

Staying in a church ‘cause we got no home,

But you left me heartless and all alone.

Now I’m nonchalant, yeah, I’m locking the door,

I don’t believe in your "love" anymore.

I’m tryna be strong, tryna keep up the pace,

While I wash the tears off my tired face.

(Guitar fades to a soft hum)

Yeah.

Mama, I’m gonna make you proud.

Ebube, Favour... we almost there.

To the girl who left... thank you for the lesson.

I’m a survivor now.

Don't worry, sweetheart, the sun is gonna rise soon.

(Sound of a church bell tolling once)