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about
Criminal Tree begins with the soundscape of Golgotha 2000 years ago; the echo of nails being driven from the right hand to the left hand in the stereo field.
Much of the percussion is a stomp and clap so as to invoke the emotions of a march or journey. Metaphorically a march through John Bunyan’s Vanity Fair away from slavery to sin, self, pride, desire, materialism, and everything offered therein.
I’m often reminded if I could lose myself to these things I certainly would. This is where the holding power of God meets us and overcomes our weakness. In verse four it’s likened to a chain with God completing his work, link upon link, until the author of our faith also finishes our faith.
The last verse of the song is a prayer to both live and die held fast in Christ's righteousness. All we’ve done bears a damning account against us; may all we have done be covered in the blood of our Saviour.
lyrics
Got my name written down though the valley is dark got my name
Got my name written down though the valley is dark got my name
I see the blood flowing down from the criminal tree
In the blood I wash, in the blood I'm free Got my name written down though the valley is dark got my name
Ain't a slave no more but a son called a son and a heir Ain't a slave no more but a son called a son and a heir
And who the son sets free will be free indeed Raised up with him in eternity Ain't a slave no more but a son called a son and a heir
Though the journey's long through Vanity Fair walk on Despised, smitten, shamed and scorned walk on Put your face to the Son, love on the road
Your faith in the man that saves body and soul Though the journey's long through Vanity Fair walk on
A golden chain reaches down and holds me fast A golden chain reaches down from the fathers hands
link by link I'm called changed and forgiven
link by link faith and love are strengthened
In my time of dying hold me fast
In my days of living make them yours
Everything I've done bears an account
May everything I've done be in the blood
Rev 20:15, 1 John 1:7-10, Gal 3:13, 4:7, John 8:36, 1 Cor 6:14, Rom 8:35-39, Matt 10:28, 1 Peter 2:24, Deut 21:22-23.
credits
released March 8, 2024
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Music And Lyrics: Jason Hofer
Written By: Jason Hofer
Produced By: Jason Hofer & RRR
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered By: Refinery Record Room
Label: Sojourner Music
CanCon: 100% MAPL
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