r.e.m. - new test leper lyrics

i can't say that i love jesus
that would be a hollow claim.
he did make some observations
and i'm quoting them today.
"judge not lest ye be judged."
what a beautiful refrain.
the studio audience disagrees.
have his lambs all gone astray?

call me a leper
call me a leper
call me a leper

"you are lost and disillusioned"
what an awful thing to say.
i know this show doesn't flatter.
it means nothing to me.
i thought i might help them understand
but what an ugly thing to see.
"i am not an animal"
subtitled under the screen.

call me a leper
call me a leper
call me a leper

when i tried to tell my story
they cut me off to take a break.
i sat silent 5 commercials
i had nothing left to say
the talk show host was index-carded
all organized and blank
the other guests were scared and hardened
what a sad parade.

what a sad parade

call me a leper
call me a leper
call me a leper