Intro (Guitar only) (Slow fingerpicking, low A drone — slide notes weeping softly that allow a few mournful chords establish a tone of humble sorrow and reflection) Verse 1 (Bare and Honest) A poor wayfaring man of grief Had often crossed along my way, Who sued so humbly for relief That I could never turn away. I could not ask him whence he came, Or where he walked, or by what name; But there was something in his eyes — A love I felt, I can’t deny. (Guitar echoes the melody with a soft descending line; space between lines lets emotion breathe.) Verse 2 – (Low, Gentle Groove with a Voice Full of Soul) Once when my scanty meal was spread, He entered in and softly came. He broke the bread, He blessed my crust, And gave me half in His own name. The food was sweet beyond belief, And joy replaced my every grief. I ate, I knew not why I cried — The bread was manna deep inside. (Small arpeggio fills; let words lead rhythm.) Verse 3 (Blues Sway) I found Him thirsty by the spring, The water mocked His trembling hand. I raised Him up and gave to drink, The cup I filled with what I had. He drank three times and gave me more, And when I drank, my thirst was o’er. He smiled and said, “Your soul will see, Who you serve when you serve Me.” (Soft vibrato guitar note holds as if echoing His words.) Verse 4 (Somber Reflection) That night the storms were loud and cold, I heard His voice cry through the wind. I brought Him in, I gave Him warmth, And peace came softly over sin. I laid Him down and took the ground, And Eden’s joy came all around. I slept as though I’d reached above, And dreamed of heaven’s endless love. (Minor 7 chord rings out gently — the tension of grace.) Verse 5 (Blues Resolve) Beaten, broken by the road, I found Him bruised and left for dead. I bound His wounds, I eased His load, I gave Him wine and broke my bread. I had my wounds, but felt them cease — For from His touch came healing peace. And though I gave, I was made whole — He bound my heart and healed my soul. (Guitar bends slow and soulful; single sustained note fades.) Verse 6 – (Rising Emotion with Vocal Cracks, Honest Tremble) In prison’s chains I saw Him stand, Condemned to die by traitor’s hand. They mocked His name, I stood beside, Ashamed no more — I would not hide. He asked if I for Him would die; My body shook, my soul replied — “My Lord, I will.” And in that sound, My heart was free, my faith was found. Verse 7 – (Revelation with a Soft, Holy Awe) Then in a moment, light did fall — The stranger’s form grew pure and tall. The scars I saw, the hands, the side — The Savior stood before my eyes. He spoke my name in tones so kind, “You were not ashamed of Mine. Each deed you did in love and pain, You did it, child, in My name.” (Guitar sustains — long bend, soft fade. Silence follows before the final line.) Outro – (Quiet Benediction with Guitar only) (Slowly repeat the intro riff in minor, resolve softly to major. Let the final note ring — long, trembling, fading like the last breath of prayer. )
