Where the Fire Burns Forever (Mark

After reading Mark 9:44 (GNTD) in the mid 1990’s, I was inspired to write two narrative poems with elements of lyric poetry reflecting my thoughts. One was a Traditional Country theme and the other was a Honky Tonk theme.
"There the worms that eat them never die, and the fire that burns them is never put out." - Mark 9:22 (GNTD))
Since I’m neither a strong singer nor composer, I used AI in 2k24 to create the musical arrangement and vocals. Admittedly, my vocal skills aren’t the best-perhaps reminiscent of Roseanne Barr’s rendition of the national anthem-but I hope the message and essence of the poem shine through regardless!
Traditional Country Song
TITLE: “Where the Fire Burns Forever (Mark 9:44 (GNTD))”
[Verse 1]
I was raised on Sunday sermons, gospel truth in my veins,
The preacher warned of hellfire, where sin leaves its stains.
He’d point to the good book, read it plain and raw,
He said, “Don’t you forget the words of Mark 9:44.”
[Chorus]
There the worms that eat them never die,
And the fire that burns them never says goodbye.
Eternal flames and endless cries,
Oh, the truth can’t be bought or denied.
[Verse 2]
I carried an old .44 when trouble came my way,
That cold steel in my hand made the devil seem okay.
But I felt the fire creeping closer every time,
Mark 9:44 was ringing in my mind.
[Verse 3]
Now I see the light of mercy, the grace to make me whole,
I’ll trade the fiery darkness for the Savior of my soul.
The road is narrow, but I know I’ll find my way,
With His hand to guide me, through the breaking of the day.
[Bridge]
That old .44 brought power, but it couldn’t bring me peace,
Its cold steel only echoed my cries that wouldn’t cease.
Now I’ve laid it down at the foot of the cross,
Trading sin and fire for what can’t be lost.
[Verse 4]
Now I stand on solid ground, faith my steady guide,
No fear of the endless fire where the lost abide.
Mark 9:44 keeps ringing in my ears,
A lesson born in ashes and eternal tears.
[Chorus]
There the worms that eat them never die,
And the fire that burns them never says goodbye.
Eternal flames and endless cries,
Oh, the truth can’t be bought or denied.
[Verse 5]
So I’ll preach to all who listen, the truth that saved my life,
Of a hell that’s ever-burning and a Savior’s sacrifice.
Don’t wait to make your choice, the time is drawing near,
Hear the words of Mark 9:44, ringing loud and clear.
[Outro]
There’s a Savior waiting, with arms open wide,
To rescue every sinner from the fire inside.
Remember Mark 9:44, and the fate of the unwise,
Where the worms don’t die, and the fire never dies.
LINE BY LINE BIBLICAL BREAKDOWN:
[Verse 1]
Reflects Proverbs 22:6, intertwining biblical teachings with identity.
Echoes Romans 6:23, highlighting the consequences of sin.
Refers to 2 Timothy 3:16, emphasizing straightforward Bible teachings.
Emphasizes the permanence of hell in Mark 9:44.
[Chorus]
5. Direct reference to Mark 9:44, symbolizing unceasing decay in hell.
6. Continues the imagery of eternal suffering.
7. Conveys torment in Revelation 14:11.
8. Reflects John 14:6, where Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
[Verse 2]
9. Symbolizes reliance on worldly power, contrasting spiritual peace.
10. Highlights how sin and pride can distort perception (Proverbs 14:12).
11. The "fire" symbolizes guilt and awareness of judgment (Hebrews 10:31).
12. A divine warning urging repentance (Mark 9:44).
[Verse 3]
13. Acknowledges salvation through grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
14. Represents choosing eternal life in Christ over judgment (John 3:16).
15. Refers to Matthew 7:14, the narrow path to life.
16. Depicts God's guidance (Psalm 23:3).
[Bridge]
17. A reminder that worldly power cannot bring peace (Isaiah 26:3).
18. Emphasizes the emptiness of material reliance.
19. Symbolizes surrender to Christ (Matthew 16:24).
20. Reflects Matthew 6:19-20, storing treasures in heaven.
[Verse 4]
21. Refers to Psalm 40:2, being set on solid rock.
22. Echoes Romans 8:1, no condemnation for those in Christ.
23. Reminds of the gravity of sin and the need for grace.
24. Suggests repentance through suffering and grace.
[Chorus] (Repeated)
25. Direct reference to Mark 9:44, symbolizing unceasing decay in hell.
26. Continues the imagery of eternal suffering.
27. Conveys torment in Revelation 14:11.
28. Reflects John 14:6, where Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
[Verse 5]
29. Reflects the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
30. Balances the warning of judgment with redemption (John 3:17).
31. Urges repentance (2 Corinthians 6:2).
32. Reinforces the eternal consequences of rejecting salvation.
[Outro]
33. Symbolizes Christ’s invitation (Matthew 11:28).
34. Reflects Romans 5:8, Christ died for us while we were sinners.
35. Warns against rejecting God’s truth (Proverbs 19:3).
36. Concludes with the stark imagery of hell, emphasizing the song’s core message.