Bury The Workmen

Unspoken's song "Bury The Workmen" is a powerful anthem that delves into the resilience and enduring nature of faith, even in the face of persecution and death. The song opens with the story of Stephen, a deacon in Jerusalem, who was martyred for his faith. Despite being stoned to death, Stephen's vision of Jesus on the throne symbolizes the eternal and unshakeable nature of his belief. This sets the tone for the song's central message: while individuals may be silenced, the spirit and the work of their faith continue unabated.

The lyrics further recount the martyrdom of James and Peter, highlighting the brutal methods used to suppress early Christians, such as Herod's sword and crucifixion. The reference to the Roman Colosseum, where Christians were thrown to lions and burned, underscores the extreme measures taken to extinguish their faith. Yet, the song asserts that these acts of violence only served to strengthen and spread the message of Christianity, as symbolized by the phrase, "the gates of hell did not prevail, they fanned those flames higher."

The climax of the song is the resurrection of Jesus, which serves as the ultimate testament to the song's theme. The lyrics emphasize that even when Jesus was laid in the grave, those who sought to erase his name were ultimately unsuccessful. His resurrection is portrayed as the definitive proof that God's will cannot be thwarted by human arrogance. The recurring chorus, "you can bury the workmen but the work will go on," encapsulates the song's core message: the spirit and mission of faith are indomitable and will persist regardless of the obstacles faced.