When Hope Goes

[SHELBY]
Eight years old
With a flag in my hand
Step for step
With the big marching band
Through the streets
Picket fence, whitewash white
Every house
Perfect trim, painted bright

Like Eli, we were brave
There was a world to save
The band struck up a song
Gilead marched along

I can see it still
Everyone in town
Walking up that hill
Waiting for the bus
Waving him goodbye
Part of all of us...

Bowed my head
Said my prayers every night
"Eli, please
Save the world, set it right"
Folded hands
Holding hope likе a prayer
Four years pass
Fingers part, nothing thеre

When hope goes, sidewalks crack
Whitewash fades
Music stops, empty streets
No parades
When hope goes, fences sag
Flagpoles rust
Paint peels, broken wheels
Gather dust
When hope goes
Hearts close

Eight years old
With a flag in my hand
Step for step
With the big marching band
Everyone in town
Walking up that hill
Waiting for the bus
We are waiting still