You’ve been tarnished
And you’ve been stained
And all the varnish you’ve used to cover up with is peeling away

CHORUS
Yet even now, return to me with nothing less
Than your wounded, broken heart
And cling to Me, your gracious King
Be shattered glass of empty jars and rend
Rend, rend, rend
Rend your hearts

You’ve been tarnished
And you’ve been stained
And all the varnish you’ve used to cover up with is peeling away

(Chorus)

I don’t need a grand display
Show me that your heart has changed
I don’t need a show
Only just to know your own heart breaks

(Chorus)


Written by Jimmy Needham / Joel 2:12-13 / Produced and engineered by Will Hunt. Vocals by Jimmy Needham. Acoustic guitar by Jimmy Needham. Piano, Rhodes, B3, synth by Josh Moore. Percussion by Will Hunt. Drums by Jacob Schrodt. Electric guitars by Taylor Johnson. Bass by Todd Cromwell. Recorded at Spaceway Studios. Mixed by Shane Wilson. Mastered by Bob Boyd at Ambient Digital. © 2008 Needhim Music / First Company Publishing / ASCAP / Admin. by First Company Publishing.

Behind the Song:
”The book of Joel speaks about a time of judgment and devastation for God’s people because of their sinful ways. And yet, even in the midst of judgment the Father’s compassionate hand is extended. “Even now,” declares the LORD, as He invites Israel to turn from their sins and cling to Him alone. However, as He invites His people back into relationship with himself, there is one requirement from God. “Rend your hearts and not your garments.” The word “rend” means to tear apart. What God is saying to them and to us today is this: I don’t want a show from you; I want an authentic heart change; Save the performance because I am concerned about genuine repentance, not fabricated repentance.” – Jimmy Needham