[vocal improvisation recommended] [Nina Simone vocal] [Intro] Midnight breathing through the iron Cold wind knows me by name Every road I ever trusted Brought me here the same ⸻ I’ve been holding on to tomorrow When today won’t let me breathe Every chain starts shaking When I fall down on my knees I don’t know how, I don’t know when But I hear the river call I’ve been holding on to tomorrow And it won’t let me fall (won’t let me fall) [Verse 1] They tell me nothing here is solid They say the sky don’t stay So I count the names I’ve carried Just to make it through the day I feel a spark still breaking Through the long and restless night Before too long, before too long I’ll be stepping into light ⸻ [Chorus (lift)] I’ve been holding on to tomorrow When today won’t let me breathe Every chain starts shaking When I fall down on my knees I don’t know how, I don’t know when But I hear the river call I’ve been holding on to tomorrow And it won’t let me fall (won’t let me fall) (Optional background vocals: “hold on / hold on ”) ⸻ [Verse 2] They tell me every soul needs armor They tell me every heart must bend So I study my reflection Like an old and wounded friend I feel a spark still breaking Through the long and restless night Before too long, before too long I’ll be stepping into light ⸻ [Chorus] I’ve been holding on to tomorrow When today won’t let me breathe Every chain starts shaking When I fall down on my knees I don’t know how, I don’t know when But I hear the river call I’ve been holding on to tomorrow And it won’t let me fall I’ve been holding on to tomorrow And it won’t let me fall ⸻ [Verse 3] Down the line stands a man in a borrowed coat With a voice worn thin by blame All day long he keeps calling out Like fire don’t remember his name I feel a spark still breaking Through the long and restless night Before too long, before too long I’ll be stepping into light ⸻ [Final Chorus / Outro (Gospel tag)] I’ve been holding on to tomorrow With my hands still open wide If freedom’s just a whisper I can hear it testify I don’t know how, I don’t know when But I feel these walls give way I’ve been holding on to tomorrow Amen, I’m on my wayyyy I’ve been holding on to tomorrow With my hands still open wide If freedom’s just a whisper I can hear it testify I don’t know how, I don’t know when But I feel these walls give way I’ve been holding on to tomorrow Amen, I’m on my wayy A-men, I’m on my wayyyy A-men, I’m on my wayyyyy

I’m On My Way