Testimony

TESTIMONY is a breathtaking and emotional new masterpiece written by Stephen Schwartz for the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Based on the heartfelt words of the "It Gets Better Project," TESTIMONY speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place.

Immediately following the world-premiere performance of Testimony, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus released a music video that brings to life the powerful message of hope and love that so many LGBT youth still need to hear. The DVD Video is available for purchase, along with an iPod/iTunes downloadable version of the song from the SFGMC online store.

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Testimony

Music by Stephen Schwartz Based on texts from the “It Gets Better Project” Composed for the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus World Premier, March 20, 2012

I don’t want to be like this. I don’t want to be who I am. Every day that I don’t change I blame myself. I am not trying hard enough.

I don’t want to be how I am. When they find out, no one will love me, I’ll lose my family and all of my friends. I’m trapped like a fish with a hook in its mouth.

I am impersonating the person I show as me. I am an imposter. I am a spy behind enemy lines. I pack my feelings so deep inside me, they turn to concrete.

Every night I ask God to end my life. I am an abomination. God, take this away or take me away.

Today, I’m going to hang myself. I’m trapped. Today, I’m going to slit my wrists. I’m stuck. Today, I’m going to jump off my building.

Take me away. Take me away. Take me away.

Hang in. Hang on. Wait just a little longer.

I know it now. I know it now. If I had made myself not exist, there is so much I would have missed.

I would have missed so many travels and adventures, more wonders than I knew could be.

So many friends with jokes and secrets not to mention, the joy of living in authenticity.

Sometimes I cry, life can still be hard, but there’s no part of me still crying “Hide me.”

I would have missed the chance to sing out like this with people I love beside me.

I have been brave.I grew and so did those around me. And now look what a life I’ve earned.

It gets more than better. It gets amazing and astounding.

If I could reach my past, I’d tell him what I’ve learned. I was more loved than I dared to know. There were open arms I could not see.

And when I die and when it’s my time to go, I want to come back as me.

I want to come back as me.