I've walked through this world sometimes without a friend
   My life has been up and down, been close to an end
   But I've been through the mill
   And I've paid my dues
   Walked so many miles in different peoples shoes
  
   But I've been through the fire
   And I've walked in the rain
   I've felt the joy and endured the pain
  
   Once I was a schemer
   But I always was a dreamer
   But it took me who I was and where I've been
   To make me who I am
  
   I've met a lot of lost souls in the bowels of hell
   Traveled some crooked roads, got some stories yet to tell
   I've shot up with the junkie, in piss stench halls
   Broken bread with the devil, fallen on my knees to God
   Some days I was lbessed, some nights I was damned
   But I always tried to lend a helping hand
  
   Once I was a deceiver
   Not I am a believer
   But it took me who I was and where I've been
   To make me who I am
  
   Oh, I've seen the little children, all strung out on dope
   No one to care about them, living without hope
   But I've been lucky that I always had a song
   I'll sing it with compassion, to try to right the wrong.
  
   Once my life was wretched
   But why should I regret it
   Cuz, it took me who I was, and where I've been
   To make me who I am
  
   Speech:
   This is dedicated to my friends in jail
   For my Brother Jake who had to ride the rail
   For my friend Roonie and Melvin, who were so dear
   They were so misunderstood
   But I wish they were still here
   To hear this song I sing from my heart
   They're forever in my soul, even though we had to part
  
   Once I was a deceiver
   Not I am a believer
   But it took me who I was and where I've been
   To make me who I am
  
   God said I forgive you
   Wipe away the scars
   Cause I know it took who you were
   And where you came from
   To make you who you are
  
   Cause I know it took who you were
   And where you came from
   To make you what you are