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Spoken version
A recorded reading of “Stairwell Choir”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
Concrete climbs; the EXIT keeps vigil, taped corner flapping. Each step assembles a chapel of echo. I used to whisper wants into my sleeve—third floor, mornings. One voice becomes two; two leans into overtones— the note splits, wobbles, finds the rail. If you are tired, sing anyway. Iron on the hand, a copper yes on the tongue.
Alternative version
Footsteps wake the concrete; the building hums with ghosts. Green EXIT is a small promise; the stairwell feels like a nave. One voice turns to two, and two to more— cracked notes falling into gold. If you’re scared—sing anyway. Now watch us rise.
Lyrics
(Oh—) (Up we go.) Footsteps on concrete, reverb in the bones, Late-night building humming like it’s full of ghosts. Exit sign green like a promise in the haze, I’m climbing out of ordinary days. I used to whisper, keep my voice polite, Keep my dreams folded small and out of sight. But this stairwell makes a cathedral of sound, So I sing till the doubt comes down. One voice turns to two, Two turns into truth. I don’t need a stage, I just need the room. (Ahh—) Hear that stairwell choir, ringing through the night, Taking every “no” and turning it to light. If my heart can echo, then I’m not alone, If my voice can rise, then I can find my home. We’re not angels — we’re just alive, We’re just kids with a reason to try. (Whoa-oh-oh) let it carry, let it fly, (Whoa-oh-oh) sing it back to the sky. Handrail cold, but my hands are warm, I’ve been breaking out of my own storm. Phones in pockets, faces lifted up, Every breath like a paper cup Filling with courage, spilling in the hall, Every cracked note ready to fall Into something bigger than fear can hold— Into a chorus made of gold. One voice turns to two, Two turns into truth. If the world feels heavy, We’ll sing the weight loose. Take a— breath— Hear that stairwell choir… [Lead] If you’re scared— [Choir] Sing anyway. [Lead] If you’re tired— [Choir] Sing anyway. [Lead] If they doubt you— [Choir] Sing anyway. [Lead] If you’re breaking— [Choir] Sing and stay. Now— watch— Hear that stairwell choir… [Lead] Choir— [BVs] IN THE STAIRWELL! Sing anyway—
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