Dragon Slayer

This week's song is "Dragon Slayer" by Jesse Traynham. Only about three people have heard this song, and none of us remember the music.

I wrote these lyrics sometime between 1991 and 1992. As we attempted to write music for this song, one of my buddies suddenly said, "Hold up! What does 'cogitating' mean?" I told him to think about it.

The premise of this song was sparked from James 1:12-16 (NLT):

¹² God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. ¹⁴ Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. ¹⁵ These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

¹⁶ So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.

If you find yourself in a pattern of sin, it is easy to point fingers at situational issues or even at other people, but perhaps introspection is a better tool to use. We are all tempted by things based on our own desires. What may be a problem for some is not a problem for others. Whatever the case, if you have a problem that needs dealing with, check the mirror first for issues--objects may be closer than they appear.

Dragon Slayer

by Jesse Traynham

Just a young Christian man
Setting out with plan in hand

Valleys, mountains, dangers untold
Standing tall and standing bold

The dragon causes all our sin
Once he's gone, we're free again

Ride hard, ride fast, our Christian friend
Dragon's death, dragon's end

He stalks in search of dragon's lair
Cogitating takes no dare

Face to face, they finally stare
Feeling weak to find what's there

Looking in the dragon's face
He only sees the human race

But most of all, the young man sees
The dragon's face are you and me

To our horror and our demise
The dragon's only our disguise

Run hard run fast young Christian man
The sword you hold has you in plan

Run from sin but know his name
The dragon's ways are but your game