An Open Box

Lyrics

[Verse 1 - sparse Celtic acoustic guitar, soft bodhrán pulse, intimate male vocal]
I live in a box with locks
Hands on the walls, no doors
I act too tough at home
'Cause I'm bruised down to the core
If I bite back first
Maybe I won't get laughed at
But every sharp word
Just makes the silence last

[Pre-Chorus - strings slowly rising, breathy harmonies, tension building]
I'm tired of being a punchline
Tired of chewing on my own pride
I want a way out, I want a way in
But I keep my heart behind my ribs
Lord, if You can hear me
I'm barely holding on
I don't know how to be free
But I know I need You now

[Chorus - emotional lift, full acoustic strum, Celtic fiddle swell, hopeful layered vocals]
Locked up small
I'm locked up small
I need Your hand
I keep missing call
Locked up small
I'm locked up small
Don't let me rot
Don't let me fall
Dear God, break these chains around my soul
In Jesus' name, make the broken whole
If I can't run, then carry me
How can I feel free again?
How can I feel free again?

[Verse 2 - restrained drums, plaintive fiddle lines, wounded but honest vocal]
I cuss when my chest gets hot
Like that can hide the ache
I throw sharp words at my parents
Then hate myself all day
I say I'm fine, I'm fine
But my room knows better than that
It hears me choke on my prayers
When the night turns black

[Pre-Chorus - fuller harmonies, heartbeat kick, rising hope]
I'm tired of being a punchline
Tired of chewing on my own pride
I want a way out, I want a way in
But I keep my heart behind my ribs
Lord, if You can hear me
I'm done pretending strong
I need Your mercy near me
To lead me home where I belong

[Chorus - bigger, anthemic, fiddle and acoustic driving, worshipful lift]
Locked up small
I'm locked up small
I need Your hand
I keep missing call
Locked up small
I'm locked up small
Don't let me rot
Don't let me fall
Dear God, break these chains around my soul
In Jesus' name, make the broken whole
If I can't run, then carry me
How can I feel free again?
How can I feel free again?

[Bridge - stripped back piano and air, trembling vocal, tender strings entering]
I know where peace lives
I just don't walk there
I know You'd meet me
If I moved one prayer
So take this mess
Take this mood I hide
I'm one small step
From letting You inside
And all my shame, all my rage
All the nights I couldn't breathe
Lay it down at Your feet
Jesus, set me free

[Final Chorus - soaring full band, Celtic fiddle soaring, powerful worship harmonies]
Locked up small
I'm locked up small
I need Your hand
I keep missing call
Locked up small
I'm locked up small
Don't let me rot
Don't let me fall
Dear God, break these chains around my soul
In Jesus' name, make the broken whole
If I can't run, then carry me
How can I feel free again?
How can I feel free again?

[Outro - fading acoustic guitar, distant choir, reverent and hopeful]
Amen, amen
In Jesus' name, amen
Amen, amen
Lead me home again