Labor in Vain

Well I'm not known for my spiritual ways

I'm known by the sweat of my brow

My back is strong

I was born to contend

With the land by the blade of a plow

Cursed is the land from beginning to end

Blessed is the man who'll not yield

For God takes pleasure in those who pursue

Him in the midst of their field

Through blood and marrow

Dust and rain

I hear heaven calling my name

Of sorrow, I am not afraid

I was not born to labor in vain

I have the rhythm of John Henry's hammer

Pulsing like fire through my veins

I'll never regret any days of my labor

This freedom that some think are chains

So I'll sink my hands down into the soil

Plant seeds for bread and for wine

And I'll sing a song for my wife and my children

When I come home every night

Through blood and marrow

Dust and rain

I hear heaven calling my name

Of sorrow, I am not afraid

I was not born to labor in vain

Despite my attempts

To avoid this affliction

I've failed to resist this earthly thorn

It turns like a screw into all my revelation

Twisting my sinew and bone

So I'll drag my leg slowly behind me

Through fields that will always be stained

It's true that I've lost ones I love

In the meantime, I will not labor in vain

Through blood and marrow

Dust and rain

I hear heaven calling my name

Of sorrow, I am not afraid

I was not born to labor in vain

I hear heaven calling my name

Of sorrow, I am not afraid

I was not born to labor in vain