The Journey of Hope
Don't Leave Me
Hope for the darkest part of your journey
This song and its artwork are a mother's lament for her son. They speak of death, of grief and of a grave. If you are struggling, please reach your local emergency number or a crisis line in your country: there are people whose work is to sit with you through this.
Download the song · Where it was made
In loving memory of David Fitzgerald Walker, Jr., and for all families walking with bipolar schizophrenia.
May we slow for one another, listen, and lead each other toward light.
The dream
I dreamed I was in an extremely dark place. I ran, and I felt the earth under my feet. Ahead of me walked a giant in a black hooded cloak, his steps loud, his strides huge.
Then a massive weight fell on me. I could not move. I was buried deep into the earth, losing strength and hope of ever being free.
As I looked ahead, the distance grew. I cried out as loud as I could: "DON'T LEAVE ME."
He did not stop. He did not turn around. But he slowed.
When I saw he slowed, I found strength to struggle again. I dug into the earth with all my might. Somehow, I was free. I jumped up and ran faster than before, before I could be trapped again.
He picked up speed and led me toward an extremely bright light.
I woke feeling safe and reassured that I wasn't alone on my journey.
Reflection for the grieving heart: Even when grief buries you, your voice still matters. You may not be fully rescued in one moment, but you will be heard enough to find your strength again. Keep digging. Keep running. The light is still ahead, and you are not being left.
The lyrics
Verse 1
I was running in the dark, earth beneath my feet
Hear the footsteps, giant strides ahead of me
Cloaked in black, walking through the night
I was chasing, I was fading out of sight
Pre-Chorus
Then the weight fell, heavy on my chest
Buried in the earth, I had nothing left
Losing strength, losing hope to be free
Watching distance grow between you and me
Chorus
I cried out, DON'T LEAVE ME, in the dark
You didn't stop, you didn't turn around
But you slowed down, you slowed down for me
Found my strength to dig, to fight, to be free
Jumped up, ran faster than before
You led me, you led me toward the light
Toward the light
Verse 2
I told you I woke up feeling safe that day
Reassured I'm not alone on this journey I take
Nine years without you, David, I still miss you so
But love is leading me where the bright light glows
Bridge spoken softly
For all the minds that battle in the night
For every family holding on to light
We slow for each other, we hear the cry
We don't leave, we don't leave behind
Final Chorus
DON'T LEAVE ME, and you slowed for me
From the dark earth to the morning light
I'm still running, I'm still free
Hope is alive, He is leading me to light