I stood among the rows of stone  
Each name a soul, each grave a throne  
The silence thundered in my chest  
So many gave so we could rest

I saw the flag upon the bier  
A lion fallen, without fear  
And in the crowd, a sea of pain  
We wept for one, for all the slain

[Chorus]  
Katonti—I am small before their light  
Their courage burning through the night  
They gave their breath, their final cry  
So we could live, so we could try  
Katonti—before such love so true  
What can I give for what they do?

I saw the hostages come home  
From darkest pits to light and song  
We danced, we sang, we laughed, we prayed  
Not knowing yet the price was paid

The joy and sorrow intertwine  
Like bitter tears in sweetest wine  
The same old story, told anew  
One falls… and raises up the few

[Chorus]  
Katonti—but still I lift my eyes  
The Shepherd hears our broken cries  
And though the night feels long and deep  
He guards the ones He swore to keep  
I’ll hold their memory like a flame  
And walk the path they lit—in God’s name

[Reprise Chorus]  
Katonti—but hope is burning bright  
We’ll see the dawn beyond this night  
And though we mourn, we still believe  
Peace will come — in our days, speedily  
Katonti… but still we dream and pray  
That we will see shalom someday