Black Boy Amen

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Mama prayed over grits Steam on the window Daddy came home angry Same old domino Coach said, “Boy, run faster” Cop said, “Boy, move on” I learned to keep my head high When the night felt long Skin got judged in seconds Heart had years to prove Church doors stayed open That was my first move I carried tears in denim And praise in my chest When the world said, “Sit down” I said, “God knows best” [Pre-Chorus] He saw me in the fire Saw me in the storm When my name got heavy He kept me warm When my blood got boiling When my voice got thin I heard mercy call me “Come on in” [Chorus] Jesus, keep me steady Keep me steady Through the storm and hate Jesus, keep me steady Keep me steady You gon’ make a way I’m still here breathing Still here standing Black boy, amen Black boy, amen [Verse 2] Sis said I was acting proud ‘Cause I said no more Brother slammed the front door Left keys on the floor Mama cried at the table Auntie called back late Half my family blaming Half of us lost faith I got cousins in the system Boys who never came home Granddad said, “Forgive them But don’t walk alone” So I said a prayer in traffic Hands tight on the wheel Asked the Lord to guard my mouth And make my anger still I ain’t perfect, I’m just trying With a broken-up past But grace kept finding me Every time I crashed [Pre-Chorus] He saw me in the fire Saw me in the storm When my name got heavy He kept me warm When my blood got boiling When my voice got thin I heard mercy call me “Come on in” [Chorus] Jesus, keep me steady Keep me steady Through the storm and hate Jesus, keep me steady Keep me steady You gon’ make a way I’m still here breathing Still here standing Black boy, amen Black boy, amen [Bridge] I been bent, not broken Bruised, but not denied They can shut some doors, Lord But they can’t lock Your sky When my house feels divided When my soul gets tired You don’t leave the wounded You light the fire [Chorus] Jesus, keep me steady Keep me steady Through the storm and hate Jesus, keep me steady Keep me steady You gon’ make a way I’m still here breathing Still here standing Black boy, amen Black boy, amen