Goat Song

You came into Salem like Bacchus into Thebes.
And from Silenus' mount, you brought the fury
Of a double sun to the house of God Most High,
Furnished gaily for the use of god most base.
Goat song, goat song, now we sing a goat song.

Your nard-kissed feet, your whip-filled hand
Laid low the counting tables and the offerings.
The doves escaped. The sheep returned.
The men in charge your hubris only saw.
Goat song, goat song, now we sing a goat song.

In an upper room, you took bread with thanks
And wine as well, offering your body to all within,
Who would destroy you on the morrow without.
You preached to fair friends the way of peace.
Goat song, goat song, now we sing a goat song.

On your knees and thinly garbed, you washed
Their shining feet and gave to them a mandate
To love as you loved, to love in all humility,
So God might dwell in them and they in you.
Goat song, goat song, now we sing a goat song.

But now the wicked namesake of the righteous
Has kissed your cheek and men with swords
Lay hands upon you as if you were a bandit
How false this recognition and yet how true!
Goat song, goat song, now we sing a goat song.

The rulers and the noble ones seek your death;
The Chorus cries out for the shedding of blood.
They choose one like you to go free to the desert,
Not knowing that their sins are on your head.
Goat song, goat song, now we sing a goat song.

Ah, Jesus, now you hang nude, alone, and dry
Outside the camp at the side of the highway
While the Chorus derides you for your plight
And offers you the rot of the vine for moisture.
Goat song, goat song, now we sing a goat song.

But in fairer type, you have become many beasts
And wear in honor the rainment of the priests.
O God of many miens that hangs upon the cross,
Why is our wickedness to you not our loss?
Goat song, goat song, now we sing a goat song.