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billy jonas / bridging divides

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Joy

from: Get Real
I was traveling on route 81 through Virginia when suddenly
I saw the flashing blue lights, I pulled over as fast as I could
But the officer was unimpressed and he said "83 in a 65:
That's reckless driving, 6 points on your license, I'll see you in court"
I said “JESU, JOY OF MAN'S DESIRE”
But dear sir, I'm a lowly musician, have mercy, I'm only a child....
“HOLY WISDOM, LOVE MOST BRIGHT”
Look I drive for a living and, oh, did I mention that I got a similar ticket last
Wednesday, also in Virginia, I'm dead, yes I'm dead
Then he said "there's a way to escape: if you get your speedometer checked
      and they find it was broken, you're free"
“DRAWN BY THEE, OUR SOULS ASPIRE”
My mechanic was clear: "your speedometer's fine... but we could say it's not..."
"SOAR TO UNCREATED LIGHT"
Have you heard of the tale of the man who was trapped in a flood saying
"God will provide," when along came a raft, then a boat, then a plane
But he drowned cuz he waved them along, saying "God will provide"
And God said "look, I sent you a raft and a boat and a plane…."
Well that's just how I felt with this man
“WORD OF GOD, OUR FLESH THAT FASHIONED”
How could I turn him down? After all, through him God had provided
I know it's illegal, but I could do worse
“WITH THE FIRE OF LIFE IMPASSIONED”
Traffic court is a joke, and I know that to lie is bad karma
But faith is a luxury I can't afford
“STRIVING  STILL TO TRUTH UNKNOWN”
If I leave this to fate then they might take my license away for a year
“SOARING, DYING ROUND THY THRONE”
With no license, no concerts, I just can't afford it
Look -- God has provided…. Or is this a test -- am I going to hell?
No, cuz Jews don't believe in that place
But it's here in my head
Cuz the lowered my first ticket down to improper equipment a
And I felt so guilty I thought I would die
So when my second court date arrived I withheld the false document
And they still let me off
Glory to God!!!

Credits:

Music by J.S. Bach, adapted from an original cantata melody by Johann Schop
Original German text by Johann Rist, translated into English by ???
Additional lyrics by Billy Jonas