The Proof
Don Francisco Lyrics
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Hustled by hucksters, ripped off by the cons
It's one more show, so flip the dial
Give upon the real and settle for style
Just open your ears to the people you meet
Even the name is a joke on the street
A cynic's laugh, they turn away
What you're trying to say?
We don't need another talkin' head
We don't need another pro
So what if we do it as well as the world
If they just see another show?
We light the candle, we ring the bell
Playing the roles that we've learned so well
Hungry, but blind to why and how
Still we keep feeding that sacred cow
We don't need another driven man
We don't need a clanging gong
So what if we do it as well as the world
When they've done it that way all along?
Where is the life that is real to the touch
When somebody needs a hand?
Maybe after you've stopped the bleeding
You can show them the promised land
Like the unbelieving brothers of Jesus
Those voices are whisperin' to you
"If you're really filled with the Spirit
Go show the world what you can do!"
The public prayers, the TV show
They're all well and good, as far as they go
But those outside will hide their pain
'Til you show them your love
when there's nothing to gain
We don't need a star of the stage or the screen
We don't need another pro
So what if we do it as well as the world
If they just see another show?
Where is the heart of compassion
That answers the cry of despair?
In the hand that is moved by the Spirit
Is the proof of the God who is there
In the hand that is moved by the Spirit
Is the proof of the God who is there.
The song being analyzed is "The Proof" by Don Francisco. The lyrics of the song present a sharp critique to the way many religious people and institutions go about conveying their message. It starts by describing how the faithful have become disenchanted with the hucksters and cons that have plagued their religious experiences. They feel like they have been misled and are given just another show to consume, instead of finding genuine substance in what they hear.
The song goes on to ask why people should believe what others are trying to say. The lyrics suggest that the desire to be seen by others and to become famous may also play a role. It becomes clear that the problem is not just with those putting on the show but also with those who want to see it. They all keep feeding the sacred cow of materialism and superficiality.
The chorus emphasizes that being just as good as the rest of the world is not enough. The lyrics point out that what people need is genuine love and compassion. The song suggests that we won't find it in a show, but in the hand that is moved by the spirit. The proof of God is not in the impressive outfits, the public prayers, or the TV shows, but in the true compassion and love that religious people can show to those in need.
Line by Line Meaning
The offering's down, the crowds have gone
The excitement has dissipated and the attendees have left.
Hustled by hucksters, ripped off by the cons
People have been tricked and deceived by opportunistic swindlers.
It's one more show, so flip the dial
It's just another forgettable performance that people can easily disregard.
Give upon the real and settle for style
People are choosing superficiality over substance.
Just open your ears to the people you meet
Listen to others and understand their perspectives and experiences.
Even the name is a joke on the street
Even the reputation of the cause is being ridiculed.
A cynic's laugh, they turn away
People are skeptical and are ignoring the message being presented.
Why should they believe What you're trying to say?
There is doubt around the validity and sincerity of the artist's message.
We don't need another talkin' head
We don't need another speaker with hollow words and no real action.
We don't need another pro
We don't need another professional performer who adds no real value.
So what if we do it as well as the world
It doesn't matter if we do things the same way that everyone else does.
If they just see another show?
If people perceive what we're doing as just another performance, then it's pointless.
We light the candle, we ring the bell
Performing religious rituals and traditions, without any real depth or understanding.
Playing the roles that we've learned so well
Reciting empty or cliché phrases without really living the values they convey.
Hungry, but blind to why and how
There is a yearning for fulfillment, but no understanding of what is actually necessary to achieve it.
Still we keep feeding that sacred cow
We keep persevering with outdated and ineffective practices or traditions.
Where is the life that is real to the touch
Where is the tangible evidence of genuine compassion and care?
When somebody needs a hand?
When someone is in need, where is the true kindness and empathy?
Maybe after you've stopped the bleeding
Once you've addressed the immediate crisis or problem...
You can show them the promised land
...then you can present a vision for betterment and positive change.
Like the unbelieving brothers of Jesus
Like doubters and skeptics...
Those voices are whisperin' to you
...the critical inner voice is speaking to you...
"If you're really filled with the Spirit
...questioning the authenticity and depth of your beliefs...
Go show the world what you can do!"
...challenging you to take meaningful and impactful action.
The public prayers, the TV show
Public religious practices and televised religious events...
They're all well and good, as far as they go
...are beneficial to some extent, but are limited in their value.
But those outside will hide their pain
People who are not part of the religious community will conceal their struggles and hurts...
Til you show them your love
...unless you display genuine care and concern for them.
when there's nothing to gain
Without any ulterior motives or expectations of personal gain.
Where is the heart of compassion
Where is the true empathy and kindness?
That answers the cry of despair?
That addresses the deep emotional pain and distress people experience?
In the hand that is moved by the Spirit
In the actions that derive from a true and strong conviction and faith...
Is the proof of the God who is there
...is the evidence of the existence and power of God.
In the hand that is moved by the Spirit
In the actions that derive from a true and strong conviction and faith...
Is the proof of the God who is there.
...is the evidence of the existence and power of God.
Contributed by Kennedy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Christopher Toon
on Balaam
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