Television Evangelist
Odd Thomas Lyrics

How many of you just like to see miracles? Of course you do. That's imbranded into human nature. We've been playing the charismatic game and there's no power. I wanna see the power!
People are naturally drawn to the idea of miracles and tend to talk about the concept more than actually experiencing the power that is promised. The singer is calling for an end to empty promises and a desire to see true spiritual power.

I'm your television evangelist. We comin' through your idiot box. More crooked than L.A. cops
The singer is comparing himself to a television evangelist, calling out the corruption in their practices, and admitting that he too may be viewed as crooked.

I'm your television evangelist. We looking fresh up on your screen. Armani suits and gold rings
The singer is poking fun at television evangelists' superficial image, suggesting that they are more interested in their own appearance and wealth than spreading the word of God.

I'm your television evangelist. I wave my coat in the air. With tattooed lips and pink hair
The artist is continuing to mock the superficiality of television evangelists, suggesting that they often resort to gimmicks like outrageous fashion or behavior instead of actual substance.

I'm your television evangelist. I get paid for fake tears. Deviously scamming' em for years
The artist is accusing television evangelists of faking their emotions in order to scam vulnerable people out of money over the course of many years.

It's a billion dollar industry, a spiritual conspiracy. The pickpocket plan for the promised land, a Catholic simile
The singer is calling out the financial-driven nature of the evangelical industry, likening it to a long-term theft from its followers. He further likens it to the gold trade in the Catholic Church, where the wealthy are meant to be the benefactors.

A representation of crooked Christian revelations. So called prophets profit on non-profit organizations
The singer suggests that the industry is a stain on the faith it purports to represent, as it allows supposed religious leaders to personally benefit from organizations that are supposed to be non-profit.

Church catastrophe, blasphemy. Sheep getting seduced by the serpent's seductive flattery
The artist continues to call out the corruption of the evangelical industry, suggesting that it's leading to major issues in the church and allowing people to be seduced by empty promises that play into their vulnerability.

Misconception of direction and notion of bein' more stable. Donation for a blessing? Start second guessing
The artist is suggesting that many people are being taken in by false promises, leading them to misunderstandings about what direction they should be taking in their lives and how they can build a sense of stability. He calls for people to second-guess anyone who claims they can donate to gain blessings.

If you don't know the answers, then ask the questions. Learn for yourself, develop and understand
The artist urges people to question everything and learn for themselves instead of relying on supposed experts or religious leaders who are in it for personal gain.

It's capital gain and a righteous [?]. And I might just aim these lyrics to point the blame
The singer is continuing to call out the self-serving nature of the evangelical industry, suggesting that leaders are driven purely by profit motives and that someone needs to hold them accountable for their actions.

Pass points to fan the flame. Alms for the fame, gold for the blood stain
The artist is saying that the industry is driven by the desire for attention and fame, even at the cost of people's personal wellbeing.

Mastercard to break the chains, offering plate for the pain. I'm alert to the Trinity Broadcast Network
The singer is painting a picture of a corrupt system where people are expected to donate money in order to gain healing, but that money is going towards personal gain rather than actual help. He specifically points out the Trinity Broadcast Network as one of the worst offenders.

And how they flirt with emotions to get finances from all these new converts. They don't love 'em, that's why they take advantage of them
The singer is saying that television evangelists take advantage of people by manipulating their emotions in order to extract more funds from them. He suggests that this practice is a sign that they don't actually care about their followers.

They pimping sheep using guilt as a means to govern them
The singer is suggesting that the evangelical industry uses psychological manipulation, specifically guilt trips, to control their followers and extract more money from them.

You just a Benny Hinn heretic. Trying convict to get chips. They tryin'a get rich off the sick
The artist is calling out Benny Hinn, a well-known televangelist, as a fraud and mockingly refers to him as a heretic. He accuses Hinn and others like him of exploiting people's illnesses for personal gain.

It's monetary gain derived from mind control. "Give a donation of 20 dollars, and I'll pray for your soul"
The artist is saying that the evangelical industry has brainwashed people into giving up their money in order to gain blessings, even though it's essentially just a monetary transaction. He mocks the idea of someone paying for a prayer.