Hearts on Fire
by Bret Hesla, © 2008
1. When you heard the silence broken in the square
Tell me was your heart on fire?
When you heard the great dream ringing in the air
Tell me was your heart on fire?
Was your heart on fire like mine?
Was your heart on fire like mine?
We gather in the morning to clear the path of peace
We with hearts on fire (2x)
2. When the common fabric was torn before your eyes
Tell me was your tongue on fire?
When you watched the plain truth papered over with lies
Tell me was your tongue on fire?
Was your tongue on fire like mine?
Was your tongue on fire like mine?
We gather in the sunshine and speak the truth to power
We with tongues on fire. (2x)
3. When you joined with thousands standing side by side
Tell me was your soul on fire?
When you knew you’d win what so long was denied
Tell me was your soul on fire?
Was your soul on fire like mine?
Was your soul on fire like mine?
We gather the table and pass a cup of joy
We with souls on fire. (2x)
4. When you dreamed a feast where everyone was fed
Tell me was your heart on fire?
When you dreamed a city where all had a bed
Tell me was your heart on fire?
Was your heart on fire like mine?
Was your heart on fire like mine?
We gather in the evening and longing is our prayer
We with hearts on fire. (2x)
Words and music by Bret Hesla. Accpt. by Tom Witt.
Spanish translation: Jose Antonio Machado.
© 2008 Bret Hesla. All rights reserved. Use with permission, please.
Licensed via OneLicense.net. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com.
Hymn of solidarity in the struggle we share to build a just world. I wrote this for a Lutherans Concerned gathering in San Francisco summer of 2008. It’s a group promoting equality for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Sadly, Proposition 8 passed shortly thereafter. This is the group singing version. See also the solo version, in the key of Am.