They branded the holy as unclean
Now they hunt the ones redeemed
Cast from the world's deceitful throne
Chosen burning but not alone
The world can't stand the light I bear
It strips the mask, it lays hearts bare
They hated him without reason
I bear the scars of that treason
I'll stand firm till the end of days
For the one the world betrays
Hated first, I'll carry his flame
Through the chaos through the pain
The world rejects but cannot tame
The name that conquered the grave
Hated first and yet I rise
Faith unbroken fire in my eyes
You can kill the flesh but not the word
For the king of kings was hated first
You will be hated by all for his name
But the faithful endure through storm and flame
If they strike at the shepherd, they'll tear at the fold
But this heart of stone has turned to gold
I've seen the world's contempt unfold
Still I won't bend I won't grow cold
The world hates me because I testify its works are evil
A servant's not greater than his master
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you
Let the world remember the price of truth
Hated first, still I remain
Cleansed by blood redeemed by pain
The world may hate but cannot claim
The soul that calls his name
Hated first the darkness cursed
But heaven's fire will quench the thirst
Stand defiant stand immersed
In the love of the one who was hated first
If the world hates you remember
It hated me first
