Andrew Peterson’s The Reckoning is the kind of song that stands out for a variety of reasons, among which is its actual sound. You don’t get to hear this folky, guitar-driven type of sound much on Christian radio, which makes it remarkably unique in a sea of power ballads, midtempo toe-tappers, and upbeat dance floor rhythms (the latter comes in short supply, too). Its guitar riff reminds me of Indigo Girls, back in their Rites of Passage or Swamp Ophelia days, when lyrics were profound, melodies were catchy, and Amy Ray wasn’t as angry as she is today. I have a certain fondness for this type of music, so The Reckoning resonates with me today because of the many memories I associate with that kind of sound. Its unconventional tempo, and Michael W. Smith-esque vocal are further ingredients that bode well for this recipe.
Having said it, The Reckoning is a rather clever piece of Contemporary Christian music. Written by Peterson and fellow singer-songwriter Andrew Osenga (formerly of The Normals, and now with Caedmon’s Call), The Reckoning is a well-written piece about the wonders of creation, and how those can’t quite compare to what happens once the Second Coming takes place. Peterson comes into the scene with almost a decade and a half of recording experience, indie and major, and it shows: his seasoned vocal underscores the passion with which he sings The Reckoning, and with the quality of the song itself, I wouldn’t be surprised if The Reckoning became his first major hit in years. The Reckoning is gaining strength at Soft AC/Inspo, where it hovers a few notches below the Top 20. Give it a few more weeks, and maybe Andrew Peterson will add yet another hit(ch) to his storied belt of a career.
THE RECKONING Lyrics
Andrew Peterson
I can see the storm descending on the hill tonight
Tall trees are bending to Your will tonight
Let the mighty bow down at the thundering sound of Your voice
I can hear the howling wind and feel the rain tonight
Every drop a prophet in Your name tonight
Oh, and the song that they sing
It is washing me clean but
How long, how long
How long until this curtain is lifted
How long
How long is this the song that we sing?
How long until the reckoning?
And I know You hear the cries of every soul tonight
You see the teardrops as they roll tonight
Down the faces of the saints who grow weary and faint in Your fields
And the wicked roam the cities and the streets tonight
But when the God of love and thunder speaks tonight
Oh, I believe You will come
Your justice be done, but
How long, how long
How long until this curtain is lifted
How long
How long is this the song that we sing?
How long until the reckoning?
Oh the reckoning
You are holiness and grace
You are fury and rest
You are anger and love
You curse and You bless
You are mighty and weak
You are silence and song
You are plain as the day
But you have hidden Your face
For how long, how long
And I am standing in the stillness of the reckoning
The storm is past and rest is beckoning
Mighty God how I fear You
And I long to be near You, o Lord
How long, how long
How long until this burden is lifted
How long
How long is this the song that we sing?
How long until the reckoning?
And I know
I know
And I know that I don’t know what I’m asking
How long
I long to look You full in the face
I’m ready for the reckoning
