| In my cell so dark and dreary
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| The touch of God’s hand I can feel
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| Asking Him to please forgive me
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| Before Him pleading I would kneel
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| I know someday beyond the sunset
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| He’ll call my name to make amends
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| Till that day I’ll keep on prayin'
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| And ask that he forgive my sins
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| Must I spend my life without a goal
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| In the staleness of this barren hole?
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| Must the ceiling always be my sky
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| Is this the way my youth must die?
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| Could fate no better world arrange
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| Than gloomy walls that never change
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| No stars or moon to shine on high
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| Is this the way my youth must die?
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| Where the sun is such a stranger
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| Mind and soul are both in danger
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| With naught to do but sit and sigh
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| Is this the way my youth must die?
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| This bare existence is not life
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| I’d rather live in pain and strife
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| My heart is tired but cannot cry
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| Is this the way my youth must die?
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| My life is merely night and day
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| With food brought in upon a tray
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| To let me live but not to try
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| Is this the way my youth must die?
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| Ah God give me the open air
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| Give me hope and even care
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| Let me live God and let me try
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| 'Cause this is no way for youth to die
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| I know someday beyond the sunset
|
| He’ll call my name to make amends
|
| Till that day I’ll keep on prayin'
|
| And ask that He forgive my sins |