God Save This Breaking Land
1. God save this breaking land before we’re past repair.
We’ve let false profits ravage the gift all creatures share.
Frayed rules like loos’ning bands, that once bound greedy hands,
No longer guard the future now. God save this breaking land.
2. Tall fences painted white, like sentries, stand their ground
On lakes where great abundance has private shoreline ’round.
While “Mine but never yours” fouls every aquifer.
A plague of thirst and struggle looms. God save this breaking land.
3. Deep buried tribal hate released like rabid dogs
Is roaming every valley stalking the common good
As speakers crafting lies blare loudly through the skies
To drown the sparrow songs of hope. God save this breaking land.
4. You made the universe from voids of empty space.
Why not repair between us for wid’ning wounds of race?
From boardrooms everywhere, out to the crowded square,
Roll away the stone of priv’lege now. God save this breaking land.
5. God save this breaking land. Come resurrect us all.
Let new transforming skin grow where all is cracked and raw.
Empower these feet to move, clad with persistent shoes,
From shattered hopes to firm resolve. God save this breaking land.
Words and music by Bret Hesla. © 2024 Bret Hesla.
All rights reserved. Use with permission, please. Licensed via OneLicense.net. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com.
I’m guessing your spirit is in a similar place as mine, dividing its time between lament and resistance. This song is a lament. The lyrics are harsh, like the time we’re living in. I suspect it will take some courage on the part of your leaders to include this song in your service or event.
I find a certain release in the singing of it; the melody has a traditional hymn-like shape to it. You could do it as a solo, or as a choir piece. My vote, as usual, would be to let the whole group sing it.
Alt lyrics: After I initially sent this song around, I got a quick reply from a woman in Kansas, saying “Sorta seems to me that WE need to save this breaking land.” So I wrote this set of alternative lyrics, with more explicit call for some human agency, for her UU choir.
Rise For This Breaking Land
1. Rise for this breaking land from couches of despairWe’ve let false profits ravage the gift all creatures share. Frayed rules like loos’ning bands, that once bound greedy hands,No longer guard the future now. Rise for this breaking land.
2. Tall fences painted white, like sentries, stand their ground On lakes where great abundance has private shoreline ’round. While “Mine but never yours” fouls every aquifer.The common good has been laid low. Rise for this breaking land.
3. Deep buried tribal hate, released like rabid hounds [dogs]Is stalking every valley, backing wide welcome downAs speakers crafting lies blare loudly through the skiesTo drown the sparrow songs of hope. (To spew their toxic bilge of blame)Rise for this breaking land.
4. Who’ll bring unflinching eyes to look in sorrow’s face?Who’ll seek repair between us for wid’ning wounds of race?From boardrooms everywhere, out to the crowded square,Roll away the stone of priv’lege now. Rise for this breaking land.
5. Rise for this breaking land. Be resurrected now. Let new transforming skin grow where all is cracked and raw.Let feet of thousands move, clad with persistent shoes, From shattered hopes to firm resolve. Rise for this breaking land.
