Pray for ME

[Intro — piano, breathy singing] Don't ask me how I'm standing. Just stand here while I do. If you've got a little faith left, Could you spare a little, too?
[Verse 1 — intimate rap; guitar, heartbeat kick] Keys on the counter, still wearing my coat, Three steps to the chair, but my legs say no. Phone full of names, don't know who to call, So I scroll through people while I stare at the wall. Got a laugh for the break room, a nod for the boss, But the ride home quiet is where it comes off. Every “you good?” gets a “yeah” on time— Funny how the shortest answer takes the biggest lie.
Dinner in the microwave, beep, beep, beep, Even that little thing needs something from me. I keep making plans for a version of myself Who wakes up rested and doesn't need help. But he's never here when the alarm comes through; It's me in the dark with a sock and a shoe, Trying to remember what I'm running toward While my hand stays still on the bedroom door.
[Pre-Chorus — sung; bass and organ rise] I don't need the mountain moved. I need my legs beneath me. If I can't get the words out, Let somebody speak them for me.
[Chorus — sung; full drums, gospel responses] Pray for me, [Backing: Pray for me] For the energy to keep pushing through. For a little breath between What I've done and what I've got to do. I don't need to feel invincible; I need enough to leave this room. When all I've got is “please,” Let that be a prayer, too. Pray for me, Till I can pray with you.
[Verse 2 — rap; stronger groove, shifting cadence] I got “keep going” written all over my life, But nobody penciled in a place to stop tonight. So I turn being tired into something to hide, Keep the conversation moving so they don't look twice. I can spot your hurt from across the floor, Ask the right question, hold open the door. Then somebody asks what they can do for me— I say “nothing,” like I don't need anything.
Wait. Let me take that back. I've been stretching one good hour over days I lack. Been a friend, been a worker, been the one who stays; Now I need somebody saying, “You can lean this way.” There's a message I typed, then erased, then rewrote: “Could you call for a minute?” That's all that I spoke. Thumb over send like it weighs a whole year— I press it before I can disappear.
[Pre-Chorus — sung; vulnerable, almost breaking] If you hear me getting quiet, Don't assume I've found my peace. Sometimes silence is the weight Of what I haven't said I need.
[Chorus — sung; layered harmonies] Pray for me, [Backing: Pray for me] For the energy to keep pushing through. For a little breath between What I've done and what I've got to do. I don't need to feel invincible; I need enough to leave this room. When all I've got is “please,” Let that be a prayer, too. Pray for me, Till I can pray with you.
[Bridge — drums stop; spoken prayer over piano] God, I haven't got a speech. I haven't even washed my face. I've been saving every ounce Just to make it through the day.
Can I sit here for a minute? Can You meet me where I am? I keep trying to carry tomorrow With tonight's exhausted hands.
[Build — melodic rap; kick returns, choir gathers] One more breath, let it fill my chest. One thing done, leave a little for the rest. Feet on the floor, don't need to move fast. Let the next small thing be the thing I ask. Water in a glass. Open up the blinds. Tell the truth to somebody one time. I don't have to solve my whole life by two— Give me enough for what I need to do.
[Final Chorus — soaring singing; rock drums, gospel choir] Pray for me, [Choir: Pray for me] For the energy to keep pushing through. For a little breath between What I've done and what I've got to do. If tomorrow finds me struggling, Help me tell somebody true. When all I've got is “please,” Let that be a prayer, too.
Pray for me, There's still so much I want to do. Keep a little light beside me Till the morning makes it through. And when your hands get heavy, I'll be reaching back for you. Pray for me, Till I can pray with you.
[Outro — bare guitar; soft melodic rap] Phone lights up, let it ring twice. I answer before I can say I'm fine. “No, it's been rough. Didn't know what to do.”
[Soft singing] “Could you stay a little while?” “I could use a prayer or two.”