[Verse 1] The priests held the charge of the sanctuary; The Levites held the weight beside them. Tithe answered tithe, For God Himself was Aaron's portion. [Verse 2] Outside the camp the red heifer burned, Cedar, hyssop, scarlet in the flame. Ash met running water, And the touch of death was washed by measure. [Bridge] Miriam died at Kadesh. No spring answered the burial dust. The people ringed the doorway, Thirst sharpening every accusation. [Pre-Chorus] Take the rod. Gather the assembly. Speak to the rock before their eyes. [Chorus] Speak, let the water answer. Speak, let the Giver be seen. But wrath took the sentence from his mouth, And twice the staff came down. The river came; the honor did not. Meribah kept both mercy and rebuke. [Verse 3] Edom closed the king's highway, Sword bright beside the border. Then Aaron climbed the mountain With Moses and his son. Garments moved to Eleazar; Aaron stayed beneath the height. [Outro] Thirty days of mourning. Water still moving through the camp. One disobedient stroke Echoing beyond the land.