Wretched Man Blues
Long story short: One Saturday, my dad lost his temper over an issue at my mom’s memory care home. Some consequences resulted. My dad, full of godly sorrow for his behavior, repented. With his mocking, accusing voice, Satan tempted him to hide in isolation. To stay stuck in guilt, shame, and condemnation. "Stay home from church, you hypocrite," he slurred. PTL my dad turned to the Lord in his desperation. Confessing his sin to God (1 John 1:9), he returned to the throne of grace where Jesus' blood covered his sin. He realized Satan's trap and got up with the Spirit's help to begin again.
He went to church. Following James 5:16, over the course of this week he confessed his sin to his Sunday School class, his caregivers' support group, the owners of Jasmine, two head nurses, and four caregivers/workers, and anyone else whom he had hurt with his verbal outburst of anger. God poured grace, forgiveness, and healing through this broken situation. God's love, light, and hope broke through.
While I am sad that hurt happened, I deeply respect the humble way my dad chose to respond on the other side of it. I can relate to the struggle. I am learning from his example.
Wretched Man Blues
Written by Kevin C. Moore, based on Romans 7:15-25
September 22, 2026
Chorus
I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do, Lord, I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do… I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do, Lord, I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do… But Jesus keeps deliverin’ — and He’s pullin’ me on through…
Verse 1 — Old Anger Knockin’
Old anger keeps knockin’, keeps knockin’ on my door… Old anger keeps knockin’, keeps knockin’ on my door… And it rises from the sorrow I’m carryin’ — “Lord, I can’t take this anymore…”
Chorus
I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do, Lord, I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do… I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do, Lord, I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do… But Jesus keeps deliverin’ — and He’s pullin’ me on through…
Verse 2 — Caregivin’ Burden Breakin’ Me
Sorrow keeps on pilin’, like waves crashin’ on the shore… Sorrow keeps on pilin’, like waves crashin’ on the shore… This long road of caregivin’ breaks me — “Jesus, I need You even more…”
Verse 3 — Raised My Voice Too High
I raised my voice too high, Lord, I hurt folks I adore… I raised my voice too high, Lord, I hurt folks I adore… But I came back with a trembling heart, sayin’, “Forgive me, I was sore…”
Verse 4 — Wretched Man Within
This flesh keeps on fightin’, keeps pullin’ me to the floor… This flesh keeps on fightin’, keeps pullin’ me to the floor… But my mind keeps cryin’, “Christ, deliver me once more…”
(over)
Chorus
I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do, Lord, I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do… I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do, Lord, I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do… But Jesus keeps deliverin’ — and He’s pullin’ me on through…
Verse 5 — Mercy on the Horizon
I cried, “Who will save me from this body of death I bore?” I cried, “Who will save me from this body of death I bore?” And mercy whispered softly, “Child, I’ve saved you once — and more.”
Bridge — Romans 8 Turn
I cried out, “Who will save me from this weight I can’t ignore?” And grace said, “I’m the Deliverer — and I’m with you evermore.” The Spirit lifts me daily, even when the flesh pulls me down. And mercy keeps on Comin’, keeps on comin’ ‘round.
Final Chorus — Lifted
I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do, but His mercy’s at my door… I keep doin’ what I don’t wanna do, but His mercy’s at my door… And Jesus keeps deliverin’, like He’s done ten thousand times before.
Outro Tag
Wretched man I am… but a delivered man I’ll be.
