Let Me Be Understood - John Moreland

One, two—

One, two, three

Well, mama’s little martyr woke up with her face drawn on

What you gonna do?

Twenty-two, with your youth all gone

And all your awful glory don’t feel like it should

Before you hang me for my story, Lord, let me be understood

Oh, 'cause it ain’t about if, it’s about when

They put a weapon in my hand, now here I am, a heretic again

But I feel sure-footed, hope l’m going somewhere good

No time to sit and wonder, Lord, let me be understood

I used to walk around with shackles on my hands

Back when I still needed you to tell me who I am

We were standing at the dawn, unaware of the flood

Rain pours on and on, Lord, let us be understood

Well, ain’t you had enough, living in this picture show?

Move a little closer, but, oh, don’t let your demons show

But I wouldn’t go back even if I could

Howling at the drunken thunder, Lord, let me be understood

Well, friend, I’ve been restless and I’ve been unwell

But I have a heartbeat, and a trial to tell

You can sentence me to burn, if you feel that you should

But let the clock hands turn and turn, let us be understood

Call it revelation, call it in the air

Boy, you can’t reach salvation from your rocking chair

You’re gonna shed a tear, gonna have to give blood

No time to sit and wonder, Lord, let me be understood

Here in the monumental yonder, let me be understood