(c) 2019 James Heald
--chant royal--

I am a dead man walking
streets littered with broken dreams
no amount of sweet talking
will silence the frightened screams
of people lost without hope
ready to swing by the rope
as I stand here in the rain
I hear the voice of their pain
behind them are better days
days that will come back again
once their hearts are set ablaze

God is a consuming fire
who sent His Son after me
consequences were dire
for telling Him let me be
He told me take up my cross
then count life as total loss
you know I killed Him for it
but His love was infinite
I chose to accept His grace
with His light my path is lit
with His strength I run the race

with Christ I am crucified
I am dead, buried, and gone
for He crossed the great divide
and became my Liaison
with my Father in heaven
the Creator of all men
He loves with a mighty love
as He reigns from up above
and I, this dead man walking,
live in the light of His love
my actions do the talking

keep the commandments of God
hold to the faith of Jesus
His word is the shepherd's rod
on Him should be my focus
I bear His great commission
here I complete my mission
where He leads I will follow
even into the shadow
of the valley of my death
where I will meet my Hero
and then breathe my final breath

I am a dead man walking
called from darkness into light
I am a dead man stalking
corridors of endless night
in valleys of decision
deception and delusion
I share my testimony
and find this serenity
in the darkest of places
knowing that the blind will see
joy will light up their faces