[Intro]
One, two—
One, two, three

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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

[Verse 3]
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

[Verse 4]
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
[Verse 5]
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

[Verse 6]
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

[Outro]
Here in the monumental yonder, let me be understood