Built around A snake-handling preacher whose faith is tested when the congregation starts asking questions about the bodies in the bayou. Dust & Wire's red-clay authenticity carries the concept through blues that rewards repeat listens. "Brother Harlan holds the serpent every Sunday after hymns" — the kind of line that sticks in your head three days later. The mood runs tense, gritty, driving. Genre showcases on Majik's aren't filler — they're proof that independent music can carry real emotional weight when the lyrics and production align.
[verse 1]
Brother Harlan holds the serpent every Sunday after hymns
Says the venom cannot touch a man who's cleansed of all his sins
The congregation watches with a fear they call the faith
But the copperhead's been defanged behind the altar just in case
He preaches fire and brimstone with a python round his neck
But the real snake in the building is the one they don't suspect
[chorus]
Copperhead Sunday everybody pray
Copperhead Sunday who's the predator today
The preacher holds the poison but the poison holds the truth
Copperhead Sunday and the devil's in the pew
The devil's in the pew
[verse 2]
The sheriff found a boot down by the bayou after dark
Matched a deacon who went missing after questioning the ark
Of finances and ledgers and the building fund that grew
While the chapel walls were rotting and the rain was coming through
Brother Harlan smiled and said the Lord works in his ways
Some men walk into the water and the water lets them stay
[chorus]
Copperhead Sunday everybody pray
Copperhead Sunday who's the predator today
The preacher holds the poison but the poison holds the truth
Copperhead Sunday and the devil's in the pew
The devil's in the pew
[bridge]
The choir keeps singing hallelujah anyway
The organ keeps on playing through the stain
Because out here in the swamp land where the water meets the law
Faith and fear and power share the same jaw
They share the same jaw
[chorus]
Copperhead Sunday everybody pray
Copperhead Sunday who's the predator today
The preacher holds the poison but the poison holds the truth
Copperhead Sunday and the devil's in the pew
The devil's in the pew
[outro]
Brother Harlan holds the serpent
But who holds Brother Harlan
Copperhead Sunday
Amen