A Prayer
Damon Albarn Lyrics

The lyrics of Damon Albarn's "A Prayer" are deeply introspective and contemplative, with the singer reflecting on their own shortcomings and faults. The opening line "Lord I have sight according to thy choice" suggests a sense of resignation to a higher power, implying that the singer's perceptions are not entirely their own, but rather subject to the will of God or some other divine force. This is reinforced by the subsequent line "my lord, darkness, forgive my voice," which acknowledges a sense of guilt or shame associated with the singer's own vocal expression.

The third line, "for I have rotten my integrity," is particularly telling, as it suggests that the singer feels they have somehow compromised their own sense of honor or morality. The phrase "oh lord life is from me" can be interpreted in a number of ways; it may suggest a sense of isolation or detachment, a feeling that the singer's life force is slipping away, or perhaps even a recognition of mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. Regardless, the final line "oh, hear my voice" beseeches the listener (presumably, but not necessarily, the divine Lord referred to earlier) to pay attention to the singer's plea, to grant them forgiveness or absolution for their perceived misdeeds, and to grant them some measure of peace or redemption.