This was supposed to be a song based on a chorus I remembered from High School. But it got out of hand and soon I realized that the only thing to do was let it have its head.
I was hoping to avoid the odd word ordering people often use to make the rhyme and meter work. I was mostly successful, though there are a few places that I could not help (as well as a few false rhymes). But it was fun and I am rather fond of the result.
Joyful lover, blithe and free, His beloved trapped in misery. For long ago on a fateful day She had falsely given her heart away. A dragon red, a deceiving worm Had stolen her from her loving home And cast her into an evil state, Of murder, lying, envy and hate. CHORUS: A rugged cross became his throne; His kingdom was in hearts alone. With a crown of thorns upon his head, He wrote his love in crimson red. He begged his kingly Father forgive Her awful fall and give him leave To rescue her from dragon dire And save her from its awful fire. His Father said, "Go seek and save One we both love. Be bold and brave. But you must bear a dreadful cost To bring back your beloved lost. Chorus "And hide your royal glory so That with her eye she cannot know. Let her hear your words of love, And thereby call her back above. "For she is drunk with wealth and power, And grows more so with every hour. And should she see your glory true, She would love it and not love you." Chorus So he came down, in deep disguise Hidden from all except the wise. His enemy with slaughter vain Tried to preserve his evil reign. His Father gave him guidance true, And soon into a man he grew. He taught the learned and humble too, And amazed them with miracles he could do. Chorus His enemy tested him long and hard, He passed the test and emerged unmarred. He refused the kingdoms of the earth, In preference for his Father's worth. The final battle was dark and grim. The dragon seemed to have bested him. And now he thinks his victory secure, But his celebration is premature. Chorus For who could know the Father's plan, That he can do what no one can --- Even reclaim his son from death And fill him once again with breath. And now the dragon is cast down, No more to blight heaven with his frown, Accusing ones that he deceived --- Now beaten by those who believed. Chorus The son with joy his bride adores; She joys to say, "I'm truly yours." The jewels, though glorious, that she wears Are put to shame by her compare. All strife is past, the battle won; The door is closed, the feast begun. His glory shines without disguise, Reflected in her love-struck eyes. CHORUS: A rugged cross became his throne; His kingdom was in hearts alone. With a crown of thorns upon his head, He wrote his love in crimson red.