Listening From Afar 2
folk, r&b, soulblending folk storytelling with r&b rhythm and gospel-blues soul, acoustic, deep, smooth, warm, r&b, smoky, and laid-back drums, the mood is sensual, groove-driven indie soul with blues and folk influences, warm, intimate but not overly deep, layered with subtle gospel-style harmonies, electric and acoustic guitars intertwine with a steady bass groove, and confessional—like a midnight prayer tangled with desire, emotional but grounded, gospel, electric, emotional, vocal, blues, soul, earthy, steady, soulful, breathy, folk, sensual, soulful organ swells, breathy male vocal—smooth and resonant
Listening From Afar 2
folk, r&b, soulblending folk storytelling with r&b rhythm and gospel-blues soul, acoustic, deep, smooth, warm, r&b, smoky, and laid-back drums, the mood is sensual, groove-driven indie soul with blues and folk influences, warm, intimate but not overly deep, layered with subtle gospel-style harmonies, electric and acoustic guitars intertwine with a steady bass groove, and confessional—like a midnight prayer tangled with desire, emotional but grounded, gospel, electric, emotional, vocal, blues, soul, earthy, steady, soulful, breathy, folk, sensual, soulful organ swells, breathy male vocal—smooth and resonant
Lyrics
Intro – murmured/gospel
Mmm… ohh… (breathe)
Let the river speak, amen…
Verse 1
City glowing, twelve-oh-one,
headphones full of static and a sermon.
They say “discover,” but I’ve learned this truth:
you can’t discover those who know their roots.
I fold the maps, pocket all my pride,
the forest keeps the names that aren’t mine.
If I move closer, let it be reversed:
first I listen—then I find my words.
Pre-Chorus
Shoes off, so I’m walking light,
if the wind says “no,” I say “amen.”
If it’s love, it won’t fence the night;
if it’s a song, let it hush me again.
Chorus
Let the river run by the name it bears,
let the language live in the ones who wear it.
There is no “last,” only care and repair—
honor the distance, keep the heart upright.
Mmm… (amen)
Honor the distance, keep the heart upright.
Verse 2
An island guarded by sentinels,
whole forests whisper low beyond.
It isn’t secret—it's right, it’s dwelling;
their time’s the shelter where the good grows strong.
Between my rhythm and another’s pace,
I leave my bubble, unlearn the claim
that pins a label to every face—
tonight I learn not to touch, by name.
Pre-Chorus
Shoes off, so I’m walking light,
if the wind says “no,” I say “amen.”
If I ever help, let it be invited;
if I ever look, may I not look past them.
Chorus
Let the river run by the name it bears,
let the language live in the ones who wear it.
There is no “last,” only care and repair—
honor the distance, keep the heart upright.
Ohh… (amen)
Honor the distance, keep the heart upright.
Bridge – call & response
— Who’s speaking? (Choir: “Who’s speaking?”)
— The ones who live there. (Choir: “Let us hear.”)
— Who decides? (Choir: “Who decides?”)
— The ones who always did. (Choir: “Let them be.”)
— What do I do?
— I hold the space, open my chest, lower my voice:
midnight prayer, desire tangled up in “us.”
Break – organ/voices
Mmm… ohh… amen… (soft layers)
Final Chorus
Let the river run by the name it bears,
let the language live in the ones who wear it.
If there’s a meeting, let it be consented—
grace and the quiet, and a love upright.
Mmm… (amen)
Grace and the quiet, and a love upright.
Outro
I’m listening from far, guarding respect—
every world a world entire—amen.