The Jailhouse Lost the Beat

Lyrics

Written by Carl Hicks Jr. / SESAC

[Chorus – Full Choir, Tight Unison]
The jailhouse lost the beat
The jailhouse lost the beat
Paul and Silas praised
With chains around their feet

Locked in the midnight
Guarded at the door
But when the praise went up
The whole foundation moved

The jailhouse lost the beat
The jailhouse lost the beat
When heaven joined the rhythm
The chains fell at their feet

[Bridge – Warm Stacked Harmonies]
They didn't wait for morning
They didn't wait for light

They gave God glory
In the middle of the night

Backs still hurting
Doors still closed

But praise kept rising
And the building shook

Praise in the prison
Praise in the pain

Praise till the shackles
Could not remain

[Chorus – Choir Snaps, Unexpected Brass Hits]
The jailhouse lost the beat
The jailhouse lost the beat
Paul and Silas sang
And freedom found the key

Every door opened
Every chain fell loose

The keeper came trembling
Saying, "What must I do?"

The jailhouse lost the beat
The jailhouse lost the beat
When heaven joined the rhythm
The chains fell at their feet

[Bridge – Rhythmic Choir Changes]
Locked down
Still praising

Beat down
Still praising

No way out
Still praising

Midnight hour
Still praising

The earth started moving
The doors opened wide

The same praise that freed them
Saved the keeper's life

Don't hurt yourself
We're all still here

God shook the prison
And delivered the fear

[Repetitive Run – Deep Pocket Groove]
At midnight
They praised

At midnight
They prayed

At midnight
The ground began to move

At midnight
Chains fell

At midnight
Doors swung

At midnight
The whole house knew

Shake it
Shake it
Shake the prison floor

Open
Open
Open every door

Chains down
Chains down
Chains on the ground

Praise went up
And freedom came down

Still singing
Still singing

Still praying
Still praying

God moved
God moved

The jailhouse lost the beat

[Choir Run – Tight Vocal Changes]
One praise
One sound

One quake
Chains down

One song
One night

One God
Made it right

Doors open
Hands free

The keeper asked
"What must I believe?"

Believe on the Lord
And your house shall be saved

Midnight turned
Into a brand-new day

[Outro – Smooth Choir Resolution]
They entered the prison
But praise held the key

They entered in chains
But walked out free

The walls started shaking
The doors could not stay

When Paul and Silas praised
God made a way

The jailhouse lost the beat
The jailhouse lost the beat

[Final Choir Hit]
Chains down!