A song about Jesus’ crucifixion based on the point of view of the thief on the cross? What could possibly go wrong? For those of you who wonder whether it is sensible to hand over hymn writing to a machine, this gives you an insight into how bizarre errors can creep into the process.
The song is Outcasts at Twilight. Eventually, I’ll correct the error, but it’s so subtle it’s worth leaving in as an example of what to look for.
The song’s lyrics are:
[Verse 1]
I saw him stand before the crowd
A king in chains yet unbowed
The governor asked what to do
Condemned the one they called true
[Verse 2]
They gave him thorns and scarlet robe
A mocking smile a painful probe
He carried wood upon his back
Up to the hill the sky turned black
[Chorus]
Oh the irony a thief like me
Watching him die to set us free
He offered peace in dying breath
In midst of pain and facing death
[Verse 3]
They cursed him spat and cast their lots
While I hung here haunted by my thoughts
Yet he whispered words of grace
Promised me a sacred place
[Bridge]
Forgive them father he cried loud
As sunlight broke through stormy clouds
The curtain tore the earth it quaked
A sacred promise he did make
[Verse 4]
As darkness fell the day was done
And cold the stone they laid upon
Hearts were heavy eyes were red
In borrowed tomb he rested dead
It’s the timeline that’s all over the place, like a poorly produced movie where you get more enjoyment spotting the continuity errors.
Does it matter if way too many liberties have been taken in the name of artistic license? It lessens its impact as an apologetic tool. It distracts the worshipper from the primary aim of a spiritual song – to focus on their relationship with God.