Stand Where They Stand

[Intro: ominous toms, distorted bass]

[Verse 1: restrained baritone]
A joke went flying through the room
At someone standing all alone
Everybody laughed politely
Like the cruelty was unknown
I felt the silence asking me
What kind of person I would be

[Pre-Chorus: guitar ascends]
I didn't need a grand display
Just had to find the words to say

[Chorus: powerful major-key lift]
I'll stand where they stand
When the crowd turns away
I won't let another person's pain
Become the price of fitting in
If kindness has a cost
Then it's one I'm glad to pay
I'll stand where they stand
And ask if they're okay

[Break: polyrhythmic bass, heavy tom fills]

[Verse 2: rising melodic intensity]
I said, "That wasn't funny"
Then I walked across the floor
Asked if they wanted company
And stayed a little more

[Bridge: half-time, gentle]
Courage isn't always loud
Sometimes it's leaving the laughing crowd

[Final Chorus: epic guitar and vocal harmonies]
I'll stand where they stand
Let nobody face it alone
A kinder world begins
When we make each other known

[Outro: sustained gritty vocal]
You don't stand alone.