(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)
JesusFreak
