This Wish
Ariana DeBose Lyrics

Isn't truth supposed to set you free?
Isn't the truth supposed to liberate you?

Well, why do I feel so weighed down by it?
Then why do I feel burdened by it?

If I could show them everything I've seen
If I could reveal to them all the things I have witnessed

Open their eyes to all the lies then
Exposing their eyes to all the deceit

Would they change their minds like I did?
Would their opinions alter as mine did?

But when I speak, they tell me, 'Sit down'
However, when I express myself, they command me to be silent

But how can I when I've already started runnin'?
But how can I stop when I have already commenced running?

Oh, this is where we've been
Oh, this is our past state

But it's not where we belong
But it is not our rightful place

And I may be young, but I know I'm not wrong
And even though I may be young, I am certain I am not mistaken

So I look up at the stars to guide me
Therefore, I gaze at the stars for guidance

And throw caution to every warning sign
And disregard every cautionary signal

If knowing what it could be is what drives me
If understanding its potential propels me

Then let me be the first to stand in line
Then allow me to be the pioneer

I never knew I needed room to grow
I was unaware that I required space for development

Yeah, I did what I was told when someone told me 'no'
Yes, I obediently followed instructions when someone denied me

Now I've got all of this freedom in my bones
Now I possess a deep sense of freedom

But I've still got the lid on, so it doesn't overflow
However, I still maintain control so it does not overflow

'Cause I've got reservations and hesitations
Because I am cautious and uncertain

On where I should even begin
Regarding where I should even commence

I'm past dipping my toes in
I have moved beyond merely testing the waters

But I'm not, no, I'm not past diving in
But I still possess the courage to fully immerse myself

If I could just be pointed in any given direction
If only someone could guide me in a specific direction

On where to go and what to do
Regarding where to proceed and what actions to take

My legs are shaking, but my head's held high
Although my legs quiver, I hold my head upright

The way you always taught me to
As you have always instructed me to do

I'm sure there will be challenges that find me
Undoubtedly, there will be obstacles that confront me

But I can take them on one at a time
Yet, I am capable of facing them incrementally

So I make this wish
Therefore, I make this desire

To have something more for us than this
To attain something greater than our present circumstances