When Hope Goes (From "the Spitfire Grill" Original Cast Recording)

Eight years old with a flag in my hand
Step for step with the big marching band
Through the streets, picket fence, whitewash white
Every house perfect trim, painted bright

Like Eli, we were brave
There was a world to save
The band struck up a song
Gilead marched along

I can see it still
Everyone in town
Walking up that hill
Waiting for the bus
Waving him goodbye
Part of all of us

Bowed my head, said my prayers every night
Eli, please, save the world, set it right
Folded hands, holding hope like a prayer
Four years pass, fingers part, nothing there

When hope goes, sidewalks crack, whitewash fades
Music stops, empty streets, no parades
When hope goes, fences sag, flagpoles rust
Paint peels, broken wheels, gather dust
When hope goes, hearts close

Eight years old with a flag in my hand
Step for step with the big marching band
Everyone in town, walking up that hill
Waiting for the bus, we are waiting still