Derek Webb

Ballad In Plain Red

Derek Webb


I'm robbin' Peter and payin' Paul 
I'm changing my name back to Saul. 
I got to them, you know I'll get to you. 
I'm turning shepards into sheep, 
Leaders into celebrities 
It's holy sabotage, just look around you. 

Everything's for sale in the 21st century 
Check is in the mail from the 21st century 

Don't want the song don't want a jingle 
I love you Lord but don't hear a single 
And the truth is nearly impossible to rhyme. 

I know the songs with all the hooks 
I know some lines that'll sell some books. 
So grab 'em fast cuz we're running out of time. 
Just keep sellin' truth in candy bars 
On billboards and backs of cards 
Truth without context, my favorite of all my crimes 

Everything's for sale in the 21st century 
Check is in the mail from the 21st century 

What works vs. what's right 
What the difference tonight? 
Hey alright. 
Hey alright. 

Take out the sign and forget the meal 
We got a gym and a ferris wheel 
You'll swear it's just like the country club down the block 
Cuz you can make your life look good. 
You can do what Jesus would, 
But you'd be surprised what you can do with a hard heart 

Everything's for sale in the 21st century 
Check is in the mail from the 21st century 
I think you got trouble with the 21st century 
So welcome to the struggle it's the 21st century 
I never thought I'd make it to the 21st century. 
Lord I love the 21st century 
Lord I love the 21st century 

I write these words from the grave 
Cuz it's the only place that I'm safe 
Only the dead are permitted to speak the truth...