East of Eden's Gate

(Verse 1) The mother held her firstborn son, And thought the promised day had won. She named him Cain, a life acquired, While Abel came, by breath inspired. One walked the fields to till the earth, To draw the harvest into birth. The other led the gentle sheep, Where quiet waters softly creep. (Chorus) But a shadow falls outside the gate, Where the thistle grows and the tempters wait. Sin is crouching at the door, Like a hungry beast upon the floor. Will you rule the dark, or let it in? Where does the edge of the fall begin? (Verse 2) In course of time, the altars burned, As both the sons to Heaven turned. Cain brought the fruit of heavy soil, The quiet wages of his toil. But Abel brought the firstling flock, A bleeding lamb upon the rock. A faithful heart laid bare and wide, With nothing left for him to hide. (Chorus) But a shadow falls outside the gate, Where the thistle grows and the tempters wait. Sin is crouching at the door, Like a hungry beast upon the floor. Will you rule the dark, or let it in? Where does the edge of the fall begin? (Verse 3) The Maker smiled on Abel's fire, Accepting all his pure desire. But on the fruits of bitter sweat, The holy favor was not set. Cain felt the fury in his chest, A roaring storm that would not rest. His face fell hard, his spirit shook, With jealous anger in his look. (Chorus) But a shadow falls outside the gate, Where the thistle grows and the tempters wait. Sin is crouching at the door, Like a hungry beast upon the floor. Will you rule the dark, or let it in? Where does the edge of the fall begin? (Verse 4) The Maker asked, "Why are you wroth? Why let this anger spoil your cloth? If you do well, you will be raised, And like your brother, will be praised. But if you harbor dark intent, Your fragile soul will soon be rent. The beast is waiting in the dark, To leave a deep and heavy mark." (Chorus) But a shadow falls outside the gate, Where the thistle grows and the tempters wait. Sin is crouching at the door, Like a hungry beast upon the floor. Will you rule the dark, or let it in? Where does the edge of the fall begin? (Verse 5) Cain whispered, "Let us walk the field," Where heaven’s eyes might be concealed. Beneath the wide and empty sky, He watched his younger brother die. The soil drank deep the crimson rain, And shattered the unbroken chain. The first of deaths, the first of grief, Beneath the turning autumn leaf. (Chorus) But a shadow falls outside the gate, Where the thistle grows and the tempters wait. Sin is crouching at the door, Like a hungry beast upon the floor. Will you rule the dark, or let it in? Where does the edge of the fall begin? (Verse 6) "Where is the brother of your youth?" The Voice demanded naked truth. "Am I his keeper?" Cain replied, But could not hide the blood he tried. "His voice is crying from the ground! You wander now without a sound." So marked by God, he walked abroad, Into the distant land of Nod. (Chorus) But a shadow falls outside the gate, Where the thistle grows and the tempters wait. Sin is crouching at the door, Like a hungry beast upon the floor. Will you rule the dark, or let it in? Where does the edge of the fall begin?