The Friend Who Walked Beside Me

[Intro - Lone fingerpicked guitar] [Verse 1 - Bubba, male] There is violence in the city, There is trembling in my chest; If I had the wings of a dove now, I would fly and find some rest. I would shelter in the wild land, Far beyond this storm of fear; But my feet are in this sorrow, God, incline Yourself and hear. [Chorus - Duet] Take this burden, Lord, sustain me; I can't carry it alone. Morning, noon and in the evening, Hear the ache beneath my song. Though a trusted voice has wounded, Though a promise broke in two, Hold me steady in Your keeping; I will put my trust in You. [Verse 2 - Bubba, male] It was not some distant stranger, Not an enemy I knew; It was you who walked beside me, To God's house we traveled, two. Words as soft as oil were offered, But a sword was hid below; All the counsel we had treasured Makes the wound more hard to know. [Instrumental Break - Tenor sax and slide guitar] [Bridge - Darlene, female] Lord, confound the plans of violence, Bring deceit beneath Your judgment. You have heard the cries of battle; Let Your peace uphold Your servant. [Final Chorus - Duet and choir] Take this burden, Lord, sustain me; I can't carry it alone. Morning, noon and in the evening, Hear the ache beneath my song. Though a trusted voice has wounded, Though a promise broke in two, Hold me steady in Your keeping; I will put my trust in You. [Outro - Bubba, male] You have heard me in the battle; Hold the life I bring to You.