The Same Wide Sky

Composed by: Melanie Bradley

(Verse 1) The sun beats down on dusty roads, a long and weary drive A little girl with tired eyes, just trying to survive Her mother’s hand is holding tight, a story in her face Of leaving all they ever knew, for a different, hopeful place They crossed the line, a border fence, and found a place to rest With calloused hands and honest work, they put their lives to the test

(Chorus) Oh, the color of a passport, the language on your tongue Doesn’t tell the story of a spirit brave and young It doesn’t tell of hard-won dreams, of sacrifice and grace So look into their eyes, and see a human face And tell me how you hate a heart, that only wants to grow Before you judge a story that you can never know

(Verse 2) A man in faded denim works from dawn ’til fading light He builds your houses, picks your crops, with all his honest might He sends his money home at night, a little less each time To feed his kids a decent meal, and escape a life of crime He smiles and nods at every face, he never makes a fuss He’s just another piece of us, in this country we call trust

(Chorus) Oh, the color of a passport, the language on your tongue Doesn’t tell the story of a spirit brave and young It doesn’t tell of hard-won dreams, of sacrifice and grace So look into their eyes, and see a human face And tell me how you hate a heart, that only wants to grow Before you judge a story that you can never know

(Bridge) They say they don’t belong here, that they don’t have a right That they should go back where they came from, and fade into the night But where’s the justice in a wall built high and strong? When all they’ve ever done is work, and try to get along? A child’s laugh, a mother’s tear, a dream that’s holding fast Isn’t built on hatred, a legacy that’s meant to last

(Chorus) Oh, the color of a passport, the language on your tongue Doesn’t tell the story of a spirit brave and young It doesn’t tell of hard-won dreams, of sacrifice and grace So look into their eyes, and see a human face And tell me how you hate a heart, that only wants to grow Before you judge a story that you can never know

(Outro) So look into their eyes… and see yourself there too For all they want is what we want, a life that’s good and new Yeah, all they want is what we want, just trying to get by Beneath the same old sun, under the same wide sky.