how the impact of words can reach above and beyond

i can't stop listening to "praying for time" as it was performed by carrie underwood during "idol gives back". i mean, she sang the hell out of the song (as always), but beyond that, it was what she was saying, the lyrics she was selling, the story being told, that really shook me hard.

anyways, here are the lyrics from "praying for time", which was originally written for george michael on his classic album "listen without prejudice" (i knew i heard this song before). although, to be honest, carrie's version leaves the original in the dust.

"Praying for Time"

These are the days of the open hand.
They will not be the last.
Look around now.
These are the days of the beggars
and the choosers.

This is the year of the hungry man
whose place is in the past,
hand in hand with ignorance
and legitimate excuses.

The rich declare themselves poor
and most of us are not sure
if we have too much.
But we'll take our chances
because God stopped keeping score.
I guess somewhere along the way,
he must have let us all out to play,
turned his back and all god's children
crept out the back door.

And it's hard to love.
Theres so much to hate.
Hanging on to hope
when there is no hope to speak of.
And the wounded skies above
say it's much too late,
well maybe, we should all be
praying for time.

These are the days of the empty hand.
Oh you hold on to what you can.
And charity is a coat you wear
twice a year.

This is the year of the guilty man.
Your television takes a stand.
And you find that what was over there
is over here.
So you scream from behind your door.
Say what's mine is mine and not yours.
I may have too much,
but I'll take my chances
Because God stopped keeping score.

And you cling to the things
they sold you.
Did you cover your eyes when
they told you
that he can't come back
because he has no children
to come back for?

And it's hard to love.
There's so much to hate.
Hanging on to hope
when there is no hope to speak of.
And the wounded skies above
say it's much too late,
well maybe, we should all be
praying for time.