[Intro]
Candles drip on marble floors
Incense clouds the cracked mosaics
Every word a silver promise
Over bones we never name
[Verse 1]
I was told there was a kingdom
Golden gates above the pain
"Close your eyes
Accept the riddle"
While the oceans choke on flame
Children drink from poisoned rivers
Empty bowls and hollow stares
"Offer up your quiet patience"
As the smoke replaces air
[Chorus]
Tear down this sanctuary of broken prayers
Where comfort wears a crown and never cares
You sell me heaven while the rivers bleed
I'm drowning in the distance
Between your book and what we need
Tear down this sanctuary of broken prayers
[Verse 2]
You say suffering is a lesson
Some grand plan we cannot see
But the lesson keeps on burning
Through the ones who can't break free
Got a prophet on the podium
Silk and gold around his hands
While a mother counts her heartbeats
In the ruins of her land
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
[low vocal register]
If there is mercy
Let it walk
Not speak
Let it bind these wounds
Not bless the weak
[female choir
Solemn]
Not in the clouds
Not in the sky
Right here in blood
Right here in cry
[Build-up
[crescendo]]
I won't kneel to painted stories
While the streets are soaked in grief
If there's grace
Let it be action
Not another word of "believe"
[Chorus]