January 27, 2009

Andrew Peterson: always a good decision

If you're not familiar with Andrew Peterson, he's a Christian singer/song writer who has quite a way with words and music. His lyrics often express things my heart and mouth would never be able to convey without sounding like a bumbling idiot. I appreciate his dedication to knowing Scripture, knowing man, knowing God (as much as He can be known!), knowing life, and not being afraid to say it like it is, with great hope. In addition, he's got a fabulous sense of humor, as demonstrated by some of his lighter songs. Matthew's Begats is a good example.

Unfortunately, the law of the land prevents me from uploading a bunch of songs here. But I did want to put on the lyrics to one of his latest, 'Hosanna'. (Does the law prevent us doing that to?) If anything, perhaps you'll be intrigued enough to purchase the CD Resurrection Letters Volume II. Without further ado, the lyrics:

I am tangled up in contradiction.
I am strangled by my own two hands.
I am hunted by the hounds of addiction.
Hosanna!*
I have lied to everyone who trusts me.
I have tried to fall when I could stand.
I have only loved the ones who loves me.
Hosanna!
O Hosanna!

See the long awaited king
come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna!
Come and tear the temple down.
Raise it up on holy ground.
Hosanna!

I have struggled to remove this raiment,
tried to hide every shimmering strand.
I contend with these ghosts and these hosts of bright angels.
Hosanna!
I have cursed the man that you have made me,
as I have nursed the beast that bays for my blood.
Oh, I have run from the one who would save me.
Save me, Hosanna!
O Hosanna!

See the long awaited king,
come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna!
Come and tear the temple down.
Raise it up on holy ground.
Hosanna!


You have crushed beneath your heel the vile serpent.
You have carried to the grave the black stain.
You have torn apart the temple’s holy curtain.
You have beaten Death at Death’s own game.
Hosanna!
O Hosanna!

Hail the long awaited king,
come to set his people free.
We cry O Hosanna!
Won’t you tear this temple down,
raise it up on holy ground.
O Hosanna!
I will lift my voice and sing:
you have come and washed me clean.
Hosanna.


*Hosanna means "Save now!" or "Save, pray!" And it's what the people cried out to Jesus as he was entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. See Matthew 21. And Hallelujah! When people cry out to God to save, He does. He has, and He does.

No comments:

Post a Comment