[Spoken Word over instrumental intro] Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting…. [Verse 1: Smooth, laid-back R&B groove. Warm electric piano, muted synth bass, crisp snare.] [Vocal: Intimate, conversational, lower register.] The polished pew and Sabbath smiles felt so holy and true, I brought my songs and fancy clothes just to give them to You, I polished up the surface of the cup for the crowd, While keeping all the secrets in my spirit so loud, I offered You the shadow of the heart that You sought, Ignoring all the heavy lessons that You had taught… [Chorus: Expansive Gospel-Soul. Thick bass, organ swells, layered string pads. Rhythmic intensity increases.] [Vocal: More powerful, mid-range. Backed by lush choir harmonies.] Search me now and try me to the core, Show me what I’ve been holding on to before, (deep-seated….) See the path of sorrow I have tread, Lead me in Your way instead, [Backing Vocal] (In Your way instead) [Verse 2: Driving R&B groove. Added tambourine, clean wah-filtered guitar licks. Rhythmic, percussive bass.] [Vocal: Smooth but with a touch of soulful grit.] I tell the folks that I am fine as I hold on to the past, I built a wall around my heart that was designed to last, The bitterness is blooming like a flower in the shade, I'm counting every grievance and the promise that was made, I’m smiling at my neighbor while I’m burning deep inside, With nowhere left for all these heavy feelings to hide. [Chorus: Expansive Gospel-Soul. Thick bass, organ swells, layered string pads. Rhythmic intensity increases.] [Vocal: More powerful, mid-range. Backed by lush choir harmonies.] Search me now and try me to the core, Show me what I’ve been holding on to before, (deep-seated….) See the path of sorrow I have tread, Lead me in Your way instead, [Backing Vocal] (In Your way instead) [Bridge: Suspended, atmospheric. Synth drone, minimalist piano, slow bass pulse. No drums.] [Vocal: High, fragile register. Vulnerable and crystalline tone.] The roots are tangled deep beneath the surface and the stone, I’m tired of trying to do this healing all on my own, I see the anger and the pride I’ve carried for so long, It’s time to find the truth inside the melody of the song. [Chorus: Expansive Gospel-Soul. Thick bass, organ swells, layered string pads. Rhythmic intensity increases.] [Vocal: More powerful, mid-range. Backed by lush choir harmonies.] Search me now and try me to the core, Show me what I’ve been holding on to before, (deep-seated….) See the path of sorrow I have tread, Lead me in Your way instead, [Backing Vocal] (In Your way instead) [Outro: Resolving R&B. Gradually pulls back to electric piano and bass. Sustained organ trailing off.] [Vocal: Melismatic ad-libs fading into spoken word.] [Ad-lib] (Mmm, yeah...) I’m letting go of the anger and the pain today, Finding peace in Your everlasting way, Thank You for the mercy, thank You for the grace, I’m finally clean in this holy place, [Backing Vocal] (Deep-seated, deep-rooted, but You found it all!) [High Energy Belt] Hallelujah! [Spoken] Search my heart, oh Lord! [Fading Vocal] (Search my heart...) [Instrumental and vocal ad lib fade out]
