The Coals Were Never Cold

[Intro] (instrumental: lone cello over a distant anvil, low E drone, storm building) [Verse 1] Down in the dark where the embers were sleeping, Buried in ash that the centuries laid, They called it dead, but the Keeper was keeping One ember alive for the work to be made. [Pre-Chorus] Then a breath came down on the ash and the ember — Hammer find the iron, let the whole earth remember: [Chorus] "I have made the smith that blows the coals in the fire, I have raised the hand that brings the instrument higher." The forge was never broken, the flame was never sold — He only let it slumber. The coals were never cold. [Verse 2] Out of the ore came a vessel appointed, Plates beaten bright by a craftsman's intent, Carried through ages by hands the Lord pointed, Brought forth in the morning for which it was meant. [Pre-Chorus] So gather the scattered from sea and from ember — This is the heritage; servants, remember: [Chorus] "I have made the smith that blows the coals in the fire, I have raised the hand that brings the instrument higher." The forge was never broken, the flame was never sold — He only let it slumber. The coals were never cold. [Bridge] (drop to cello and voice, then surge) They will gather together, but not by His name, And every tongue that rises, He will put to shame. No weapon formed against you will ever take hold — This is the word He gave you. The coals were never cold. [Guitar & Cello Solo] (cello sings the lead line, then trades phrases with distorted guitar over the anvil) [Final Chorus] "I have made the smith that blows the coals in the fire, I have raised the hand that brings the instrument higher." Let the gathering thunder, let the story be told — He kept the fire burning. The coals were never cold. [Outro] (anvil strikes thin out; a single sustained cello drone holds an open fifth, unresolved, ringing into silence)