(Verse 1)
Sunrise burnin' on the dusty ground
Signed the contract, heard the weary sound
Of a full day's work for an honest wage
Felt the future turn a hopeful page
Nine AM, the bossman makes his rounds
New faces joining, no frowns, no sounds
Just the silent promise, "We'll make it right."
Didn't think twice, just kept on with the fight.
(Pre-Chorus)
Sun dips low, the shadows grow long
Tired muscles hum a working song
The clock hits five, the call comes in
For the final, desperate rush to begin.
(Chorus)
Oh, the first will be last and the last will be first
A bitter thirst or a sudden burst
Of grace that cuts the righteous deep
While the all-day workers start to weep.
We worked the heat, we paid the cost
But in the final count, our measure's lost
Is it your kindness, or is it my shame?
Playing the same old, jealous game.
(Verse 2)
They walk in fresh, the five o'clock crew
One hour spent, beneath the sky of blue
They line up first, the foreman makes the call
A full day's pay, watched by us all.
Then my turn comes, the sweat still stains my brow
I reach for more, but there's no more now.
The same cold coin, the price we first agreed
Ignoring every drop of sweat we bleed.
(Pre-Chorus)
Sun dips low, the shadows grow long
Tired muscles hum a working song
The clock hits five, the call comes in
For the final, desperate rush to begin.
(Chorus)
Oh, the first will be last and the last will be first
A bitter thirst or a sudden burst
Of grace that cuts the righteous deep
While the all-day workers start to weep.
We worked the heat, we paid the cost
But in the final count, our measure's lost
Is it your kindness, or is it my shame?
Playing the same old, jealous game.
(Bridge)
He says, "Friend, look at the deal you made.
Take what is yours, don't be afraid.
Is it wrong for me to be kind and free?
To spend my own wealth as I choose to be?"
The question hangs heavy, a dissonant chord,
A lesson in fairness we can't afford
To push aside, or turn away and run,
When the work is over, and the day is done.
(Guitar Solo - Energetic and slightly melancholic)
(Chorus)
Oh, the first will be last and the last will be first
A bitter thirst or a sudden burst
Of grace that cuts the righteous deep
While the all-day workers start to weep.
We worked the heat, we paid the cost
But in the final count, our measure's lost
Is it your kindness, or is it my shame?
Playing the same old, jealous game.
(Outro)
Last now, first then.
The tables turn, again and again.
Jealous game...
(Fade out with repeated "Jealous game")
JesusFreak
