Sketches of My Life
Rev. Benjamin Cone Jr. Lyrics

It's not that this life has been tried and found wanting
Life is not lacking something essential that has been actively tested and judged to be inadequate

It's just been found hard and left untried
Life has been deemed difficult and abandoned without exploration or experience

I've made my own path
I have forged a unique journey for myself

Searching far and wide
Exploring extensively in pursuit of something meaningful

For something to fill my cup
Seeking fulfillment and satisfaction

And make me all right
To bring contentment and peace

Stuck in my doubts and shame
Feeling trapped in uncertainty and guilt

Ain't no end in sight
There seems to be no resolution in sight

Someone please end all
Desiring relief from the current situation

This misery of mine
The suffering that is personally experienced

Ol' heads say boy slow down
Elder individuals advise to proceed with caution

You on the highway to hell
Implying that one's choices may lead to a negative path

Well they don't know what they talkin bout
Dismissing the opinions of those who lack understanding

I'm just discovering myself
Currently in the process of self-discovery

They say that Jesus saves
Referring to the belief in salvation through Jesus Christ

And He's the only way I'll find
Emphasizing Jesus as the exclusive means of discovery

The peace I need and the love I want
Highlighting the desired emotional fulfillment through Jesus

Well I guess they was right
Acknowledging the truth in the guidance about Jesus

Cuz
Because

I've lived my whole life
Throughout my existence

By my own rules
Following my personal guidelines

I ain't know what living was
I did not truly understand existence

Until I met you
Until encountering a transformative influence

You met me on my broken road
You encountered me during a rough period

And told me I'm yours
Expressed ownership over my being

Ripped out my heart of stone
Removed the hardened emotions within me

And made me brand new
Completely revitalized my essence

Now how am I supposed to change
Questioning the process of personal transformation

All the bad that I've done
Reflecting on past negative actions

You say I'm free and clear
Assurance of absolution and liberation

And all my charges are gone
Referring to spiritual forgiveness and zero liabilities

But I don't feel no different
Describing the lack of immediate change in perceived self

And all my boys are making fun
Friends are mocking the newfound beliefs

Of me carrying around this Bible now
Criticism of openly displaying faith through scripture

And tryna act like your son
Attempting to emulate the qualities of God's child

Now I know you're good and I know I should
Recognizing the goodness of God and the expected response

But it don't make no sense
Expressing the seeming illogical nature of faith

That the only way to find my rest
The exclusive method to discover peace

Is in obedience
Compliance with divine directives

This is the way
Indicating the chosen path or manner

This is the life
Referring to the current journey or existence

You are The Way
Acknowledging Jesus as the guide

You are The Truth
Recognizing Jesus as the embodiment of truth

You are The Life I'm choosing
Selecting Jesus as the source of existence

Now look
Pay attention or observe

I done lived on both sides of the line you feel me
Experienced contrasting lifestyles significantly

When I say the line I mean
Referring to a dividing factor or boundary

Jesus said if you are not with me
Quoting Jesus on the requirement of alignment

You're against me
Indicating opposition or resistance

Like if you ain't following me
Analogizing non-adherence to Jesus

Then you following you
Suggesting individualistic or worldly pursuits

Yourself
Reference to personal desires or ego

Your flesh
Allusions to worldly temptations and physicality

So living on that side
Residing in a non-spiritual state

Was full of nothing but fear
Characterized by overwhelming anxiety

Suffering
Enduring prolonged pain or distress

And always feeling trapped
Perpetually experiencing confinement

And the messed up part is
The unfortunate aspect is

It's way easier
Considerably simpler

The other side
A contrasting existence or perspective

Following Him
Pursuing a path of allegiance to Jesus

It's hard
Challenging or demanding

But I'm free
Despite the difficulty, I am liberated

No looking over my shoulder no more
No longer needing to be watchful for danger

Ain't no hopelessness
Absence of despair or discouragement

No feeling trapped no more
Freedom from entrapment or confinement

No more fear
Eradication of apprehension or dread

Just peace that don't even make sense
Experiencing inexplicable tranquility

Joy that don't go away
Continuous and unending happiness

No matter what life throws at me
Irrespective of the challenges faced

Being able to say
Empowered to declare

Let's go
Ready to embark on the journey

I trust you
Having faith and confidence