Lament for the Day
There was a time back in the day
When the kids tuned in to peace and love;
I wonder how we lost our way—
I thought we all had had enough.
But the man is back—his wily way
Gave war and greed a way to rule;
If Jesus Christ came back today
How many Christians would play the fool?
He said: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself;
And if he smites your face then turn the other cheek.”
The pendulum has brought us round
To the land of déjà vu
Where money rules and preachers pound
The pulpit with their hateful spew:
Telling us what’s wrong and right,
What to think and how to vote;
If Jesus Christ came back tonight
How many Christians would miss the boat?
He said: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself;
And if he smites your face then turn the other cheek.”
How much more can we afford to lose
Before we learn what we once knew?
There comes a time when you must choose
Between fear and love and what to do
When the man calls you to war
And acts like greed is not a sin;
If Jesus Christ knocked at the door
How many Christians would let him in?
He said: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself;
And if he smites your face then turn the other cheek.”
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-From Overloaded Circus II
© 2004 by JC
Listen to a recording of this song here (opens new window).
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Postscript
I wrote this song in the fall of 2004, in the weeks leading up to W's re-election. Unfortunately, it is still relevant.