The Story Behind "Wretched Scoundrel Kin" (Lyrics)

Sinner. This word had been floating around in my brain for a while as a concept I wanted to write about. It’s a word we know and understand all too well; A word we all hate to relate to but can’t help it.  

But, it’s also a word that proves what good a Savior we have.  

I had tried to write about this concept many times, and it just never panned out. I think this was because of how heavy of a word it is. I didn’t want to write an “okay” song about such a tragic word. I wanted to write a song that had depth and made us feel and understand the weight of our title as sinner.  

To be entirely honest with you, I had no clue how to do this. So, I sat down and took what was probably my third stab at this concept, and began a free write around the word “sinner.” And while I believe that God gives me every song I write, I could feel Him pour this one out of me.  

This song has become my anthem.  

I am wretched. I am a scoundrel. But I am His kin.  

 

“Wretched Scoundrel Kin”  

 

Scoundrel they call me as I wash off the filth 

The grim that has coated my skin won't unstick 

I'm colored by one thick shade of gray  

That covers every piece of my well-crafted clay  

- 

I look broken hearted. I smell even worse 

For the revulsion I was born with has frothed to the surface 

One look in my direction and all glances turn to glares  

For a sinner like me counted useless and despaired.  

- 

But there stood on the horizon a beautiful soul 

Who did not avert his eyes, 

No, He accepted me in whole.  

- 

This man knew my filth 

He’d seen all my grim 

Yet he held out His hands  

To hold this wretched scoundrel kin 

- 

He stood there in glory, my cross on His back 

My face had been lifted, and I was blinded by the fact  

That He took every piece of my sin and my shame 

He nailed it to His body, and He gave me a new name.  

- 

That name is chosen  

Child of God 

He has trampled that sinner 

He has been crucified 

- 

My name is chosen  

Child of God  

He has trampled my sinner 

He has been crucified.  

- 

He calls me precious chosen  

Daughter of the King 

His life paid my ransom 

He is resurrecting me  

x2 

- 

Oh, Oh, He is resurrecting me