Then I Stepped Inside Your Presence

Country-rock and gospel-soul journey, 88 BPM, 4/4, Bubba unmistakably MALE searching country baritone; Darlene unmistakably FEMALE powerful soulful alto, verse two and bridge solo, Start E minor with acoustic guitar, restless electric bass and restrained drums, Em-C-Am-B7, a new verse movement, As understanding arrives, resolve into E major and recovered Porch Light Rise Eadd9-C#m7-Aadd9-Bsus4-B7, Add piano, B3 and broad electric guitar, then choir, Guitar solo moves from tense bends to lyrical release, Preserve the contrast between envy and nearness to God; settled final duet

[Intro - Uneasy acoustic guitar; low electric bass] [Verse 1 - Bubba, male solo] I was watching proud men prosper, And my feet began to slide; They wore violence like a garment, Wore their boasting like a prize. I was hurting every morning, Thinking, Why keep clean these hands? If I spoke my bitter thinking, I would wound Your children's stand. [Chorus - Duet, searching] Then I stepped inside Your presence, Saw the ending of their road; All their strength was set on slipping, All their glory could not hold. You were holding my right hand, Lord, Even when I could not see; All the riches I was chasing Could not give Your nearness to me. [Verse 2 - Darlene, female solo] Like a dream that fades at waking, All their towering pride will pass; I was bitter, blind and foolish, Like a beast that cannot grasp. Yet Your counsel still will guide me, And receive me into glory; Who in heaven have I but You? You, on earth, are all I seek. [Instrumental Break - Electric guitar resolves into warm piano] [Bridge - Darlene, female solo] Though my heart and body falter, You remain my portion still; All who turn from You will perish, All their distance ends in ill. But for me, Your nearness is good; God, my refuge, this I choose: I will tell Your works with gladness, I have all I need in You. [Final Chorus - Duet and choir] Then I stepped inside Your presence, Saw the ending of their road; All their strength was set on slipping, All their glory could not hold. You were holding my right hand, Lord, Even when I could not see; All the riches I was chasing Could not give Your nearness to me. [Outro - Duet] You, the strength within my failing; You, my portion evermore.

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