Verse 1 (compact, accusatory) They sing with silver tongues, but their hearts are rust. The choir climbs higher, yet the roots are dust. Verse 2 (extended, rapid-fire flow) Their festivals reek, their gatherings rot, their incense chokes, their offerings clot. They strike the strings and pound the drum, but justice won’t rise, and mercy won’t come. Their lips draw maps their hearts won’t follow, their prayers resound but ring out hollow. A ritual recited, rehearsed, performed, an altar adorned, but the Spirit unmourned. They call it holy, they brand it divine, but it burns like paper, no fire, no sign. Chorus (prophetic refrain) Hollow fire—unlit flame. Smoke in the temple, hearts without name. Words without weight, prayers without breath, a worship of echoes, a covenant of death. Verse 3 (medium length, rolling cadence) You steal, you wound, you turn and pray, claim safety inside while the stranger decays. You lift up your hands, your banners wave, but the gates stay locked, the guest enslaved. Mercy waits outside the wall, a knocking ignored, an unheard call. Chorus Hollow fire—unlit flame. Smoke in the temple, hearts without name. Words without weight, prayers without breath, a worship of echoes, a covenant of death. Bridge (short, sharp contrast) A broken heart I will not despise— but hollow fire is built on lies. Final Verse / Chorus Fusion (album arc reference, sprawling) Ash crowns the altar, dust wears the throne, they call it holy, but the embers disown. Crowns of iron, pulpits of blood, treasures corroded, rusted flood. Gates bolted tight, love turned to stone, but embers in ruins still glow, still glow. Hollow fire—unlit flame, songs without mercy, hearts without name.
