The Fatherless Have a Defender

[Intro - Guitar; banjo; gathering tambourines] [Verse 1 - Bubba, male solo] Rise, O God, and scatter hatred Like the smoke before the wind; Let the wicked melt before You, Let the righteous sing again. You are Father to the orphan, You defend the widow's right; You bring lonely ones to family, Lead the bound into the light. [Chorus - Duet and choir] The fatherless have a Defender, The weary have One who leads; God rides high above the heavens, Yet He hears the poor one's need. Let the singers go before Him, Let the tambourines reply; God who gives His people power, We will lift Your praises high. [Verse 2 - Darlene, female solo] Through the wilderness You marched, Lord, Sinai shook beneath Your name; You refreshed Your tired inheritance With the kindness of Your rain. Kings fell back before Your presence, You ascended, captives led; You are God of our salvation, You hold rescue even from death. [Instrumental Break - Banjo; tenor sax; gospel piano] [Bridge - Darlene, female solo] Strengthen what Your hand has fashioned, Scatter those who cherish war; Let the kingdoms bring their praises, Let the far-off lands adore. Day by day You bear our burdens, Day by day our strength renew; All the power above the cloud tops, All the praise belongs to You. [Final Chorus - Duet and choir] The fatherless have a Defender, The weary have One who leads; God rides high above the heavens, Yet He hears the poor one's need. Let the singers go before Him, Let the tambourines reply; God who gives His people power, We will lift Your praises high. [Outro - All] Bless the God who gives us strength; Bless His holy name again.