What If It Was You?

Lyrics

[Brief, slowly strummed lute intro] [Verse 1] You came to see the carnival, The lights, the games, the show. You laughed among a thousand souls, With nowhere else to go. Then suddenly the crowd grew still, A finger pointed through— The gates swung wide, they called your name, And what if it was you? [Chorus] Who would wait beside the window, Wondering why you never came? Who would search the crowded streets, And call you by your name? What would the world be like without you? What dreams would never come true? Before you cheer another's fall, Ask, what if it was you? [Verse 2] You walked along a city street, Beneath the evening sky. Some strangers stopped you in your path, And would not let you by. They saw your horns, they saw your face, And hatred was their cue. One flash of steel, one final breath— And what if it was you? [Chorus] Who would wait beside the window, Wondering why you never came? Who would search the crowded streets, And call you by your name? What would the world be like without you? What dreams would never come true? Before you turn your eyes away, Ask, what if it was you? [Verse 3] You watched the soldiers ride through town, Their banners proud and bright. They promised peace and righteousness, Then set your home alight. You begged them for a moment more, For those who sheltered you. They called it justice, called it law— But what if it was you? [Chorus] Who would wait beside the window, Wondering why you never came? Who would search the crowded streets, And call you by your name? What would the world be like without you? What dreams would never come true? Before you praise another's pain, Ask, what if it was you? [Bridge — softer, almost spoken] You had a name before the shouting, You had a life before the blade. A thousand little acts of kindness, A thousand promises you'd made. A song you hadn't finished singing, A hand you'd promised you would hold. And somewhere there's a heart still waiting, For a story left untold. [Verse 4 — gradually building] Now picture all the smiling faces, The cheering from the stands. The clapping and the stomping feet, The blood upon their hands. Would they still laugh so loudly, If they knew the things you knew? If someone turned and pointed down, And whispered, "Now it's you"? [Final Chorus — passionate, full voice] Who would wait beside the window, Praying that you'd come home safe? Who would keep your memory living, When the world forgot your face? What would the world be like without you? What love would vanish too? Before you cheer another's death, Ask, what if it was you? [Outro — quiet, slowing] And when the cheering fades away, And all the games are through, Remember someone never came home... And what if it was you?....