You were a rose among tulips Long in bloom before your time Born in shadows, but couldn't hide, oh You were a flower in the brambles Weathered storms, you made your stand By flourishing in a long cold night You took the sting of change Took the cold of winter punches and the pain So I could breathe a little clearer Thank you for the long road you paved So I'm saved Swimming in your wake Following in footsteps Gratefully awake I take the baton that's left I promise I'll honor you for my walk Echoes of a time that I won't know Of a time when a wild rose Had no place to grow You didn't have a right to choose Didn't have a light to lose Yet you lit your fire anyway And now I hold my breath For all the fires out there Struggling and oppressed Sending out a night flare One day the battles will be won Not long I'm standing in the steps Already been taken I'll walk the mile that's left So you won't be forsaken Thank you for the long road you paved So I'm saved Thank you