Graham Kendrick Music | 3 months ago

#paidonthenail #grahamkendrick
When the World Said 'No' from 1974 album Paid on the Nail by singer/songwriter Graham Kendrick.

A powerful depiction of the trial, rejection, and crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting the profound betrayal and the fickle nature of the crowd. The song opens with the image of Jesus, the innocent prisoner, facing a hostile crowd whose verdict is driven by mob mentality rather than justice. Pilate, the judge, washes his hands of the situation, symbolising his weakness and unwillingness to stand against the masses.

The lyrics poignantly illustrate the transformation of those who once revered Jesus. The hands that had caressed and blessed Him turn into fists of rage, and the voices that had once praised Him now call for His crucifixion. The song captures the bitter irony of the crowd's failure to recognise Jesus as the Christ they had been expecting, despite His presence among them.

The narrative takes a deeply personal turn, challenging the listener to reflect on their own place in the crowd. The song questions whether it was our faces, our fists, and our voices that joined in the cry of "Crucify him!" It serves as a reminder that humanity collectively shares in the rejection of Jesus, emphasising that we all stood there when the world said 'No.'

Originally released on the Key Records label, ‘Paid on the Nail’ was Graham’s third album and a landmark in his ministry.

It continued the acoustic/folky style which had been Graham’s hallmark in his earlier recordings but also introduced a wider variety and subtlety of arrangements and other instruments including Peter Roe on the Moog synthesiser. The songs were written while Graham was part of a team ministry called ‘In the name of Jesus’ who engaged in evangelism and church renewal around the UK.

Song lyrics and MP3 download:

https://grahamkendrick.co.uk/when-the-world-said-no-the-court-was-ajourned/

The court was adjourned and the prisoner was turned
With his back to the whip and the crowd
But the verdict was reached by the mob on the streets
Whose fingers were scratching for stones

Then the judge washed his hands of an innocent man
And his weakness was starting to show
As the whiplash did sing
He said ‘Here is your King!’
And the world said ‘No!’
As the whiplash did sing
He said ‘Here is your King!’
And the world said ‘No!’

And the hands that caressed
And the hands that had blessed him
Became white fists of rage
And the palms that were raised to
the new king they praised
Became whips for the lowest of slaves
The lips that revered him
And the mouths that had cheered him
Turned foul and began to accuse

And no-one connected the Christ they expected
With his blood that was spilled on their shoes

And was it your face that I saw in the crowd?
And was it your fist I saw raised?
And was it your voice I heard scream for his blood?
Your mouth that was twisted with rage?
And did you join in when they started to sing
Crucify, crucify him?
I know it was you for I was there too
When the world said ‘No!’
Yes I know it’s true for I stood next to you
When the world said ‘No!’

He did not resist
As a man held his wrist
For the terrible kiss of the nails
And the crowd held it’s breath
As the crosspiece of death
With it’s burden was suddenly raised

And did you join in when they started to sing
Crucify, crucify him?
I know it was you for I was there too
When the world said ‘No!’
Yes I know it’s true for I stood next to you
When the world said ‘No!’

Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1974 Make Way Music,
www.grahamkendrick.co.uk

Released:
1974 (Key Records)

Producer:
John Pantry

Recorded at:
R G Jones Studios, London and Echo Studios, Eastbourne

Musicians:
Graham Kendrick - Acoustic Guitar
Peter Roe - Moog Synthesiser
Nick Ryan - Bass Guitar
Mike Wade - Drums
Ken Freeman - String Synthesiser