Under Roman occupation
One more cause of deep frustration
In the middle of their lands
Their enemies, Samaritans
Held sway over a no-go zone
Dividing their ancestral home
But Jesus never was afraid
To visit and sometimes he stayed
In shimmered air by noon-day heat
Beside a well he took a seat
He told his lads, go find some bread
Don’t be afraid, there’s nowt to dread
He waited, rested, closed his eyes
A woman came, to her surprise
He asked if he might have a drink
Just what would everybody think?
Sir, you’re a Jew and you are banned
From drinking from my unclean hand
If you just knew who asked you this
Could grant you everlasting bliss
The living water that I give
Will always flow so you can live
Such water, Sir, would be a boon
Can you supply it very soon?
Go, fetch your husband, Jesus sighed
I have none, she replied and lied
I know about the five you’ve wed
She blushed and turned her talk instead
To points of dry theology
But Jesus was not fooled, you see
True worship is not based on race
There is no special sacred place
For God is Spirit, not confined
To any space mankind defined
In spirit and in truth bow down
And worship him in any town
Sir, this I know, when Christ shall come
He will reveal what must be done
Oh ma’am did you not recognise?
That’s who I AM, just in disguise.
The lads returned with bread to eat
And she ran off, so indiscreet
Come see a man who knows all things
I think he might be Christ who brings
The gospel: it’s not just for Jews
I think this really is good news
Oh come and meet him by the well
His words ring true, clear as a bell
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