There’s a unique sense of anticipation whenever Larry Karpenko returns to my desk. This marks the third time we welcome him onto the blog—after the breathtaking expanse of “The Horizon” and the unwavering faith of “Believe The Promise.” And yet, with “God Help Us,” he has crafted something that doesn’t just extend his artistry—it deepens it. It feels less like a song and more like a prophecy, a musical storm that asks us to open our eyes, bow our heads, and prepare our hearts.
From its very first words, “Let’s get it started. Yeah, let’s get it going,” the track unfurls like a gathering cloud, ominous yet purposeful. Karpenko paints with contrasts: “Rain may come, Rain may fall, Dead of night, Chill of night, Darkness falls.” His lyrics are cyclical, returning again and again like thunder rolling over the horizon, reminding us of the fragile and unpredictable nature of life.
What makes “God Help Us” so gripping is Karpenko’s voice. There’s a rawness in his steady but vulnerable, strong yet pleading delivery carries the weight of prayer. When he sings, “God help us all, God help us be aware. Eyes wide for Your glory,” you feel the tremor of reverence and urgency. His performance is not simply vocal; it’s spiritual testimony, where every line feels lived-in, wrestled with, and surrendered.
The instrumentation is perfectly matched to the message. Dark, swelling layers echo the storm imagery: a foundation of deep percussive resonance mimics thunder, while atmospheric guitars and keys shimmer like flashes of lightning. The production never overwhelms the words—it moves with them, like weather patterns shifting across the sky. There are moments of silence and stillness, too, where space is left deliberately open, heightening the tension and making the scripture readings near the end ring like divine thunderclaps.
The weaving of biblical passages; Zechariah, Job, Matthew, Revelation into the song is masterful. As his voice carries “After that comes the sound of His roar” and “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns,” the piece transcends music, becoming a meditation on both the chaos of the storm and the ultimate hope of deliverance.
In “God Help Us,” Larry Karpenko proves once again that he is not simply writing songs—he is channeling something higher, something eternal. This track is an urgent cry, a psalm for modern ears, and a reminder that even in silence, chaos, or storm, the voice of God is not far. Larry Karpenko has always had a gift for vision and storytelling, but here he leaves us not just listening, but trembling, watching, and waiting. For me, this song isn’t only heard—it is felt in the marrow. Welcome back, Larry. The storm has never sounded so divine.
Listen to “God Help Us” on Spotify
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