Freedom, Love, & Forgiveness (PDF / mp3)
The illustrated lesson is a parable of truth:
Mr. Lincoln bought a slave girl off the auction block.
She walked with him, unchained, down a Southern avenue,
Much to every genteel belle's and gentleman's great shock.
Old Abe turned to the girl and said, Young lady, you are free.
Looking at the sky, she asked him, What does that word mean?
Can I say whatever I want to say? / You can say whatever you want to say.
Can I do whatever I want to do? / You can do whatever you want to do.
Can I go wherever I want to go? / You can go wherever you want to go.
Then what I'd want to say is what I'd want to do is go with you.
Lovers share some shiny things like rings and tears and stars,
And sadly sometimes share a shiny gilded cage.
Though safe and warm, soon heads will bang against the bars.
Tonight last night's dreamers lie awake planning tomorrow night's escape.
Trust and commitment are the keys that set us free.
If this love is our world, it will hold us in its gravity.
Can I say whatever I want to say? / You can say whatever you want to say.
Can I do whatever I want to do? / You can do whatever you want to do.
Can I go wherever I want to go? / You can go wherever you want to go.
Then what I'd want to say is what I'd want to do is go with you.
The man listened, kneeling, drawing perfect circles in the sand.
The one accused stood pale and quiet in her fear.
The man's judgment hit the crowd like the stones held in their hands.
As the woman watched in wonder, one by one they disappeared.
When the man said, Go forgiven, and you will not go alone,
She was staring at the ground, at three circles and some scattered stones.
Can I say whatever I want to say? / You can say whatever you want to say.
Can I do whatever I want to do? / You can do whatever you want to do.
Can I go wherever I want to go? / You can go wherever you want to go.
Then what I'd want to say is what I'd want to do is go with you.
MP3 version performed by Thom Shumate with Ashley Cleveland; © 1996 Questar/Mission Records
Words & Music: Michael Cody
Publishing: Window on the West