Let the Back Row Answer

Amen

Four hundred shoulders near the speakers
One pair still resting by the wall
You mouth the word but nothing follows
I see you stop before the call
I used to hold it in like that
Afraid my voice would shake the room
So I leave a little space this time
The next line doesn't start too soon

You don't owe me your loudest voice
Just the one you've got tonight

Let the back row answer
Let the quiet find a way
Every small amen belongs here
No one has to shout to pray

Amen
There's room for yours

The hands beside you open slowly
You take a breath and try again
One rough note comes through the middle
The front row waits to hear the end
Then someone catches what you started
Another voice comes in below
I put the microphone down lower
And let your little answer grow

Let the back row answer
Let the quiet find a way
Every small amen belongs here
No one has to shout to pray

Amen
Amen

I wasn't born the one who led it
I was the one who couldn't start
Somebody waited through my silence
Until my first amen came out

Let the back row answer
Let the front row learn to wait
Now the voice that almost left us
Gives the whole room its amen

Let the back row answer
Amen