He woke at morn with heart of stone

Deep nagging pain, down to the bone

He woke at morn with heart of stone

Deep nagging pain, down to the bone

He heaved a sigh, raised weary head

And sat upon his straw strewn bed

He fixed his eyes on cold stone wall,

And gulped at what must soon befall

He was all alone

The cheering song of meadow bird

On window ledge was scarcely heard

The happy dance of sunbeam bright

Could well have been the dark of night

This day would be the last he’d see

For death awaited on the tree

He was all alone

The jailor came, led him away

Oh what an awful price to pay

They made him bear the very cross

On which he was to suffer loss

Through sweat stung eyes he blinked and peered

At crowds that mocked, and scorned, and jeered

He was all alone

He struggled up that awful hill

Then Roman soldiers held him still

His hands and feet were quickly nailed

Then he was lifted up, impaled

His body wracked with searing pain

He turned his thoughts to God in vain

He was all alone

Where was the God he’d never served

Now that he faced a death deserved

But thoughts of seeking fled away

It seemed too late to change his way

He cursed his God, his luck, his birth

He cursed the life he’d spent in mirth

He was all alone

And then a voice rang loud and true

Forgive they know not what they do

He pondered on this heavenly note

Recalled the sign someone had wrote

He turned and looked into the face

Of purest love and matchless grace

He was not alone (quietly)

His heart was warmed and he must know

Who is this man that loves men so

Was this the promised Christ and king

Of whom the Jews both read and sing

Was he the one who stirred the land

With miracles and healing hand

He was not alone (a little louder)

My Lord, he prayed, I’ve gone astray

May grace be found for me today

That when you come in kingdom bright

I shall walk and dwell in light

Today, my son, I set you free

You’ll be in Paradise with me

He was not alone (little louder yet))

His prison cell now seems so sweet

It led him to the Saviour’s feet

And so the terror of the cross

Brought treasure great from awful loss

For now he’s passed from dark to light

From pain to joy and faith to sight

He is not alone (shouting glory)

Oh weary saint, this lesson heed

And solace find in hour of need

The clouds though dark are silver lined

The fragrant rose with thorns combined

And when the road seems hard to bear

Look to the Lord, you’ll find him there

You are not alone (toned down to taste)

Lee W. Brainard