Vile Rebellion

(Heavy, distorted guitar intro – 4 bars)

Verse 1

(Slightly muted, driving rhythm)

The light is on the wall, and I can see the stain

A residue of darkness, a self-inflicted pain

It clings to me like shadow, it haunts me day and night

I know this vile rebellion, I have forfeited the light

I'm standing in the fallout, nowhere left to hide

Against you, and you alone, my spirit has died.

Chorus

(Full band, powerful, soaring vocals)

Tear it down and start again, Oh God, be the Architect

Create in me a Clean Heart, a soul you can respect

Don't banish me, don't leave me hollow, don't take the breath from me

Just Renew a Loyal Spirit— set this captive free.

I need the winter's washing, whiter than the snow

Bring back the joy I shattered, let the cold hands let go.

Verse 2

(More frantic, higher energy)

I'm washed out and convicted, the mirror shows the lie

Born into the static, beneath a guilty sky

You said your judgment's righteous, your words are iron law

I'm begging for the compass, to fix the fatal flaw.

I'm broken down to dust, the pieces scattered thin

Purify this wreckage, from the blood to the skin.

Chorus

(Full band, powerful, soaring vocals)

Tear it down and start again, Oh God, be the Architect

Create in me a Clean Heart, a soul you can respect

Don't banish me, don't leave me hollow, don't take the breath from me

Just Renew a Loyal Spirit— set this captive free.

I need the winter's washing, whiter than the snow

Bring back the joy I shattered, let the cold hands let go.

Bridge

(Tempo slows slightly, drums build)

You don't want the temple fire, you don't need the burnt-out pyre

The sacrifice you ask for, is this desperate desire

A broken and repentant heart, shattered on the stone

This is the only offering, you won't turn your back on, alone.

Forgive me for the spilling, the life I couldn't save

I'll sing of your forgiveness, right out of the grave.

(Instrumental build-up – heavy, melodic guitar solo)

Chorus

(Final, sustained power)

Tear it down and start again, Oh God, be the Architect

Create in me a Clean Heart, a soul you can respect

Don't banish me, don't leave me hollow, don't take the breath from me

Just Renew a Loyal Spirit— set this captive free.

Outro

(Guitar riff repeats and fades out with feedback)

Restore the joy...

Oh, give me back my joy again.

(Silence)