The Only Bible
Living the Sermon: A Tale of Faith Beyond Words
Lyrics
Norman never went to church, I often heard him say
Norman expresses a lack of attendance at church.
""I'd rather see a sermon, than to hear one any day
Norman prefers to witness a person's actions over listening to religious speeches.
Show me a man who lives his faith, by his actions and his deeds
Emphasis on the importance of living one's faith through actions and deeds.
That's the only Bible I'll ever have to read.""
The speaker values observing genuine faith in others as a meaningful spiritual guide.
Norman was a guy I met when I went off to school
Introduction of Norman, a person the speaker encountered in school.
I said, ""come and go to church with me"", he said, ""hypocrites and fools...
Norman declines a church invitation, criticizing those he perceives as hypocrites and fools.
They dress up in their coats and ties, walk righteous through the door
Critique of individuals who appear righteous but engage in contradictory behaviors.
They were drunk and chasin' women the whole night before
Accusation of hypocrisy among churchgoers, citing their immoral activities.
Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk the way you should
Admonition to practice what one preaches.
Show me a man who understands and has a heart that's good
Call for genuine understanding and a good-hearted nature in individuals.
Who rights a wrong, forgives a debt, and turns the other cheek
Listing virtues like righting wrongs, forgiving debts, and turning the other cheek as important.
Cause that's the only Bible I'll ever have to read.""
Reiteration that observing these virtues is the true Bible for the speaker.
One Sunday morning as the preacher rose to speak
Setting the scene of a Sunday morning with a preacher about to speak.
Ol' Norman waltzed right in the door in his tennis shoes and jeans
Norman enters the church informally, wearing casual attire.
He hadn't shaved or combed his hair, smelled of beer and cigarettes
Description of Norman's disheveled appearance and scent, suggesting a non-traditional churchgoer.
He walked down front, sat on the floor, and proudly crossed his legs
Norman sits unconventionally on the floor, displaying pride in his uniqueness.
The congregation held its breath, no one spoke a word
Tension builds in the congregation as they react to Norman's unconventional behavior.
Then from the back the clickety-clack of a walking cane was heard
The sound of a walking cane introduces Deacon Jones, hinting at a potential conflict.
Old Deacon Jones was comin' down the aisle, there was bound to be a fight
Anticipation of a confrontation due to Norman's actions.
But he just smiled and dropped his cane and sat down at Norman's side...
Deacon Jones surprises by smiling and sitting next to Norman, diffusing tension.
The preacher said ""You won't recall a word I've said today
The preacher acknowledges Norman's unconventional behavior but emphasizes its profound impact.
But you've just seen a sermon that said more than I could ever say
Recognition that actions sometimes convey more than words in delivering a message.
So let this be a lesson as to how we sow our seeds
Encouragement to consider one's actions as seeds with a lasting impact.
You may be the only Bible somebody ever reads
The reminder that individuals may be the only "Bible" others read through their actions.
You may be the only Bible somebody ever reads""
Reiteration of the idea that one's conduct may profoundly influence others.
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