The Mouth of the Wicked

(Low, distorted cello notes under a steady, heartbeat-like drum pulse. The sound of wind blowing through an empty hall.)

Hold not Your peace, O God of my praise

For the wicked have opened their mouths in a haze

With lying tongues, they compass me ‘round

Fighting for nothing, dragging me down

For my love, they are my adversaries now

But I give myself to prayer, I make my vow

They rewarded me evil for the good I’ve shown And hatred for the love that I’ve always known.

Let a wicked man stand over his soul

Let the accuser take the full control

When he is judged, let his plea be a sin

Let his days be few, let the shadows in

Because he remembered not to show any grace

But hunted the poor from every hiding place.

(Guitars enter—heavy, sustained chords with high distortion)

He loved the cursing, so let it come near

Like a garment he wears, like a whisper of fear

Let it sink like water into his very bones

Like oil in the marrow, like weight in the stones

This is the wage of those who speak ill

Who seek for my spirit, who seek for the kill

But deal with me, Lord, for the sake of Your Name

Deliver my soul from the reach of the flame.

(Music slows down, stripping back to just a lonely piano and a haunting vocal)

For I am poor.I am needy.My heart is wounded within me.

I am gone like a shadow when the evening decline

sShaken off like a locust from the twisting vines

My knees are weak, my flesh is failing fast

I’ve become a reproach, the very last.

(Guitar Solo)

(Soaring, melancholic melody that builds into a wall of sound)

Let a wicked man stand over his soul

Let the accuser take the full control

Help me, O Lord! Save me by Your hand!

Let them know it’s Your power across this land

Let them curse, but You—You bless the broken heart

When they arise, let their shame be their part.

(The heavy drums stop; only a low synth pad remains)

I will greatly praise Him with my mouth.

In the midst of the multitude, I’ll cry out.

For He shall stand at the right hand of the poorTo save him from the ones at his door.

(Fade to silence)

Amen.

(Amen). Amen