STAIRWELL TO HELL nice intro A3

Lyrics

[Title: Stairwell to Hell] [Intro: slow acoustic, dark and spacious] [Verse 1] There was laughter through an open door, Gold and glitter scattered on the floor. Every promise had a sweet disguise; I saw a kingdom through my hungry eyes. One step closer to a life of ease, One more bargain made to do as I pleased. Called it freedom, said that all was well, Never saw the winding stairwell. [Verse 2: bass enters] Pride was waiting on the second floor, Selling crowns beside a broken door. I put mine on and I raised my chin, Kept my shame where nobody looked in. Pleasure whispered, “Stay another night.” Morning found me further from the light. Every landing had a lie to sell, Every echo knew that stairwell. [Warning chorus: drums build] Down, down, I could not tell How far I’d gone down the stairwell to hell. Round and round, another flight, Trading tomorrow for a thrill tonight. The doors grew cold, the shadows fell; I heard my name in that stairwell. [Verse 3: heavier] Then I saw the people I had used, Heard the love in voices I’d refused. All the blame I’d handed someone else Came back like footsteps following myself. At the railing, looking down below, I saw where all those broken choices go. No crown could help, no gold could pay; The dark was taking everything away. [Breakdown: heavy, then silence] One more landing. One more lie. Empty-handed, Who was I? [REDEMPTION: all prayer and Scripture begin here] [Steady 4/4 groove; lead speaks rhythmically] You better pray, you could die today. [Sung response] I will not turn Your call away; Lord, hear the words I need to say. [Lead prayer: clear, unhurried] Heavenly Father, I know that I’am a sinner. [Sung response] The truth breaks through my walls of stone; I lay them down before Your throne. [Lead prayer] I ask for your forgiveness. [Sung response] No more excuses left to bring; I bring my need before my King. [Lead prayer] I repent of my sin. [Sung response] Let truth take root and change within. [Lead prayer] I turn away from my sin. [Sung response] Let a new life in You begin; Lord, teach these feet to walk again. [Build: allow extra bars for this prayer line] I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sin and rose from the dead. [Sung response] The Savior lives, the stone was rolled; His mercy reaches through my soul. The cross declares the price He paid; You rose to life and broke my chains. [Lead prayer: allow extra bars] I ask you Jesus to come into my heart and be my lord and savior. [Sung response] My hope is You, my risen King; To You my empty hands I bring. [Lead prayer: clear over rising band] I want to trust and follow you and all the days of my life. [Sung response] Through every joy and every strife, I trust You, Lord, with all my life. [Lead prayer; choir answers after the complete line] Amen Amen [Choir] Let the broken rise and sing; Jesus Christ, our risen King! [Rescue chorus: full band, bright and powerful] Jesus, You called me out of the night, Opened my eyes and brought me to light. I was walking down a stairwell to hell; You broke through the lies I told myself. No good of mine could pay that cost; Your grace reached down to save the lost. You died, You rose, You made me new; My living hope is found in You! [Scripture bridge: lead and choir, driving beat] Jesus said, “I am the way,” So I will follow You today. “The truth, and the life,” Your promise stands; I place my future in Your hands. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:” I hear Your voice; the door unlocks. Open the door, let the Savior in; Turn to the One who forgives your sin. “I and my Father are one.” My saving hope is in the Son. Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus; Believe God raised Him from the dead. Salvation is His gift of grace; Come put your trust in Him today. [Guitar solo: melodic, joyful, building] [Final chorus: gospel choir, biggest lift] Jesus, You called me out of the night, Opened my eyes and brought me to light. I was walking down a stairwell to hell; You broke through the lies I told myself. No good of mine could pay that cost; Your grace reached down to save the lost. You died, You rose, You made me new; My living hope is found in You! [Outro: choir, then acoustic] Amen, let the rescued sing! Amen, to the risen King! The Savior calls; don’t turn away. Come trust in Jesus Christ today.