"Altar Ego" is a song by Petra. It was written by the band's guitarist Bob Hartman, and composed by Hartman, John and Dino Elefante. The song was released in 1986 as part of the band's eight studio album, Back to the Street.
Lyrics[]
Words by Bob Hartman
Music by Bob Hartman, John and Dino Elefante
I can tell by the look on your face
It's another day of fasting
I can tell by the length of the shadow
That your face is casting
And you look both ways before you pray
Just to see who's watching you today
(Chorus)
It's just your altar ego - and it's so hard to know
Beneath the piety and hidden vanity begins to show
It's just your altar ego - and you don't even know
And you won't even grow til His Spirit strikes a bow
To your altar ego
You love to seen by men
In all the public places
And you always pick the best of the seats
You've got the social graces
Can you be so proud of respect you've won
When your left hand knows what the right has done
Turn around and face the One
Who knows your heart
He knows your heart
Credits[]
- Bob Hartman – Guitars, arrangements
- Mark Kelly – Bass, background vocals
- John Lawry – Keyboards, Fairlight programming, background vocals
- John Schlitt – Lead and background vocals
- Louie Weaver – Drums