I wrote this song several years ago and it has taken on new meaning for me over the years. Some of the words sprung into my mind as I was reflecting yesterday on the reality of the unseen.

(For my former reflections on the song, see here: https://www.tamaradreger.com/blog/veil-songs-that-speak-series )

The ‘veil’ is mentioned many times throughout the Bible, in both figurative and literal ways.

There was a veil in the Jewish Temple that separated the rest of the temple from the ‘Holy of Holies’, the space where only the Priest could enter. It was the place where it was believed that the Presence of the Lord dwells. Natural incense burned in the Holy of Holies and when in this place, priests often met with angels unexpectedly and received visions from the Lord.

When Jesus died his natural death and the world went dark, the thick veil in the temple was miraculously torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:50,51)

This both figuratively and symbolically gave everyone access to the Presence of the Lord.

I ask in this song, “when will this veil be removed?” This question represents a longing for something more . . . To live completely, without inhibition, in a life fully immersed in God’s Presence . . . For all barriers to be removed, to truly see.

The reality is, the veil has already been removed. Access to the fullness of God’s presence and visions and true seeing is available. May we live in this reality.

A lot of death here disguised as life

A lot of darkness disguised as light

So there's a wide open space for deceit

To run rampant and to run free


Things that are broken appear to be whole

Dressed up in wisdom, but really a fool

Light that is truly light too easily extinguished

Light from the darkness so hard to distinguish


False hope fails

and glimpses of hope 

find their place behind a veil



Break through the death

Break through the darkness

There is nothing left without what's true

Piece together all that's broken

Peace to overcome what's hopeless

When will this veil be removed?



A lot of walls here that keep us apart

Separation between our mind and heart

Open wide a new space and release

Runners to run and to run free


Shadows scatter, there's nowhere to hide

Face to face and brought back to life

Hearts that were made of stone and plagued by condemnation

Now have been chiseled through and found some affirmation


Life that's truly life

When the veil is removed

and faith becomes sight



Break through the death

Break through the darkness

There is nothing left without what's true

Piece together all that's broken

Peace to overcome what's hopeless

When will this veil be removed?



When you turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in his wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of his glory and grace



Break through the death

Break through the darkness

There is nothing left without what's true

Piece together all that's broken

Peace to overcome what's hopeless

When will this veil be removed?



In the light of his glory and grace

In the light of his glory and grace

Removed in the light of his glory and grace