Fr. Bill’s CD Lyrics
Paintbrush in the Green: Lonely Lazarus
(Attending Buffalo’s Kingdom Bound Christian Music Festival in 1999, I met Mitch Mc Vicker, friend of the late, great Rich Mullins. Mitch had just returned to touring, two years after the accident that took Rich’s life and left Mitch severly injured for some time. Interviewing him for our “Praying Twice” radio show, I couldn’t help but share my sympathies in this sudden loss. Walking away afterward, I felt like I had just met Lazarus, the friend of Jesus. Lazarus lived....and must have asked the question why. I dedicate this song to Mitch and all the “Lonely Lazaruses” out there who lose a dear one and get that same look in their eye....toward the Kingdom’s long-awaited reunions!!)
I used to be known as the brother of Martha and Mary
But illness overtook my life dead and buried.
Jesus came…and He raised me up…
But Friday afternoon it came,
A message from Calvary. They nailed my friend to a cross,
Charged Him with blasphemy.
0 my Lord. Innocent blood out-poured!
I’m poor lonely Lazarus, I should be glad to be alive
But I can’t help feeling left behind, abandoned,
Enclosed in a tomb of sadness with a stinging in my eyes
As I long to be with the one who gave me life.
They say that He cried at my tomb, how He loved me!
Now I’m the one drowning in grief, will I ever see…
the reason why, left behind so you could die?
You opened my grave with a word to your Father’s throne
But what good is living again if I’m all alone?
Can this be true—how am I to follow you?
I’m poor lonely Lazarus, I should be glad to be alive
But I can’t help feeling left behind, abandoned,
Enclosed in a tomb of sadness with a stinging in my eyes
As I long to be with the one who gave me life.
I want to remember his words: “Lazarus come out!”
Can my faith break the grip of despair
and the paralyzing force of doubt?
Feel like I’m back I’m that tomb…like I’ve died again.
And though they crucified you Jesus…will you rise my friend?
Call me lonely Lazarus they un-bound my hands and feet
Life and freedom I would not know without Jesus
When they rolled the stone I danced
Now there’s a mountain on my heart
And only the power of God’s love can set me free!
I’m poor lonely Lazarus, I should be glad to be alive
But I can’t help feeling left behind, abandoned,
Enclosed in a tomb of sadness with a stinging in my eyes
As I long to be with the one who gave me life.