When I am God the world is bleak. 

My divinity spent on destruction and decay. 

When I am God the world is small. 

I am the center of gravitational pull. 

When I am God watch out for my vengeance.  

 

Sitting high on a throne

built of refuse and broken things

I survey my universe with disdain

and cast down such decrees

that all are guilty,

and I am the king of guilt and shame. 

I wear this crown of thorns 

fashioned by my own hands,

thrust upon my head in self affliction. 

I have taken up my cross

having scorned the world

and the one for which it was made.  

I am the redeemer and the vindicator

and the captain of my own destiny,

blindly leading myself about

not caring of the ruin I leave behind.  

 

When I am God my heart is hardened. 

A fortress impregnable.  

When I am God the world is violent. 

And everyone vies for my throne.  

When I am God beware my judgment. 

 

Malignant like cancer are all my edicts

as I excuse myself from consequence 

and banish you to Sheol

for all your wrongdoings. 

There is no forgiveness here,

no expectation for restitution or atonement.  

There is no brighter hope

of salvation or deliverance

when all of humanity stands before me,

except where lies a need of you

and a desire to be fulfilled. 

Helpless are those who do my will

and heed all my bidding,

for the score will never be settled,

and written in my book are all your sins. 

Not one is blotted out.  

 

When I am God this path is uncertain. 

I am marching toward my own grave. 

When I am God sanity is slipping. 

And I find here no place for me. 

When I am God there is no escape. 

 

Oh, take this crown from me!

I was never meant to wear it. 

And take this cross, my burden!

It was never mine to bear. 

And take my tossings and turnings!

There is no peace for me here.  

And bring down this throne I sit upon!

May it topple to the floor. 

I am not high and lifted up!

I am less than deserving. 

I am not worthy of that name!

Please give me a new one. 

I am not worthy of that praise!

Turn your face away from me.  

Oh, God, cleanse the sanctuary!

Burn it all down with your fire. 

 

When I am God I hold death in my bosom. 

But I am no God, only a man.