High Step
Francis Sage Lyrics

You can't make it to heaven with a high step
Attempting to reach heaven through physical achievements or bravado is fruitless

I played both sides of the field
I was versatile in my approach and skills

I was better at defense
I excelled at protecting and guarding

They put me out for special teams
I was utilized in unique and specific situations

The college league wasn't impressed
My performance did not stand out in the collegiate level

But the press called me a work horse
Media recognized me as hardworking and dedicated

I had calories to burn off
I had excess energy to expend

And I made my parents proud
I brought honor and satisfaction to my family

A jersey with a number that concealed faulty equipment
Clothing that masked personal flaws or weaknesses

A cog in the machine but the team saw me as different
A part of a system, but viewed uniquely by my teammates

Old beyond my years
Matured and experienced beyond my age

My chest hair was like a carpet sweater
My physical appearances were rugged and unique

They made me leader
I was chosen to lead and guide others

I wore that C like a scarlet letter
The captaincy symbol was both an honor and a burden

Whether hot or cold
Regardless of the circumstances

I had to avoid the loss
My focus was always on preventing defeat

And play better than the competitor
Striving to outperform the other team

Whether or not I won the coin toss
Victory didn't depend on chance

I watched it flip in slow motion
I observed each moment with intense focus

While I considered the odds
Reflecting on the likelihood of success

But it's a sin to gamble
Recognizing the moral complexities of taking risks

So I left the risk to God
Surrendering uncertainties to a higher power

We had a locker room prayer
Team gathered for spiritual guidance

Where we all lobbied the lord
Seeking favor and blessings from above

I pretended to know the words
I feigned familiarity with the prayers

Bowed my head and mouthed along
Participating in the ritual without full comprehension

That was my way then
My approach at that point in time

I was a slave to the playpen
I was confined by the constraints of the game

Where I tried to make friends
Seeking companionship and camaraderie

And couldn't wait to say 'Amen'
Eagerly anticipating the end of the prayer

Then hit the field
Transitioning from the sanctuary to the battleground

With a shield that was dented
With defenses weakened by past battles

And a sword that was warped by the wars that I've entered
My weapon marred by the conflicts I've faced

I'm a veteran
Experienced and seasoned in the game

With all this medicine on my plate
Struggling with the pain and injuries accumulated

Because the game that we played
The sport we engaged in

Was 'How Much Pain Can You Tolerate?'
The real challenge was enduring physical suffering

Can you do it without showing signs of it?
Can you bear the agony without revealing weakness?

Without fooling yourself so you don't know when it's time to quit
Remaining resilient to the point of self-deception

Hell no
Absolutely not

Well, Amen
Acknowledging the harsh reality and accepting it

Give me the pig skin, kid
Pass me the football, young one

I'm head huntin' for Satan
I'm determined to defeat evil and temptation

Throwin' elbows
Using physical force and aggression

Til they're breaking
Until they succumb or give in

The coach made em look normal just by the that he taped them
The coach's actions normalized injuries through bandaging

I never went pro
I never reached the professional level

I got paid in admiration and respect
My reward was admiration and esteem

But all of that seems to be changing
The perception of me is shifting

Tried to make it heaven with a high step
Attempted to achieve salvation through physical prowess

And get get it get it done
Striving to accomplish the task at hand

Before we reach sudden death
Before facing an irreversible and final outcome