Life Among the Lowly – Lyrics

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In fields of gold, beneath blue skies,
A world apart, where sorrow lies.
Smiles conceal the chains we bear,
In southern air, a silent prayer.

“So much of all on earth,” they say,
“Is but a mockery and a dream.”

In this land of gentle dreams,
Light and shadow, nothing’s as it seems.
Kindness shown, but fear confined,
Hearts and fates forever intertwine.

In the fields, a man endures,
Faith within, his heart is pure.
With her child, a mother’s peace,
In his smile, her worries cease.
Lives entwined by unseen hands,
The weight of chains across these lands.

In this land of gentle dreams,
Light and shadow, nothing’s as it seems.
Kindness shown, but fear confined,
Hearts and fates forever intertwine.

Through the night, a fragile peace,
But dawn may bring a storm’s release.
In shadows deep, we dare to hope,
While tightening chains leave us to cope.

“So much of all on earth,” we know,
“Is but a mockery and a dream.”

Debts are mounting, time runs low,
The price of lives, how can we know?
In this world of joy and strife,
We balance on the edge of life.

In this land of gentle dreams,
Light and shadow, nothing’s as it seems.
Kindness shown, but fear confined,
Hearts and fates forever intertwine.

In fields of gold,
beneath blue skies,
A world apart,
where sorrow lies

In shadows deep,
beneath blue skies,
A world apart,
where sorrow lies

Yes Eliza it is truly me
Drawing his child sitting on his knee
You are the fairest woman I could see
But oh I wish you’d never seen me

What use is trying striving for much more
In chains I wish my life were gone before
Yet your sweet voice my love calls me to stand
So I endure with hope within my hand

I’m a man as much as he strong and wise
I can read much better and see his lies
I’m better educated skills pristine
An inventor creator of fine machines
Yet he drags me down puts me to the test
In his cruel games I cannot find rest
Though he claims my body my soul is free
For I am a man as much as he

Torn from the factory where it was kind
To harsh master’s grip peace left behind
Taken from kindness work mean and obscene
For you and our boy I’ll stay unseen

I’ve been patient all this while
Paid every cent endured each harsh trial
This master claims to own my very soul
But free my spirit beyond his control

So Eliza bear up now be strong
In a week or so I’ll right this wrong
To Canada I’ll flee and earn an increase
For you and our son I’ll buy your release

Pray for me Eliza that God may hear
Your faith and love they keep strength near
Though master tries to break my will
For our future I’ll endure still

He tries to humble tries to break my heart
But in my soul freedom will not part
With every hardship I’ll persevere
For the day we’re free my love don’t fear

For our love for light we seek and find
In each other hope and strength combined
One day soon we’ll break these heavy chains
Together free from all these pains

In the dim lit room they gathered
Shadows play on the walls
Shelby sits in silence as the trader makes his call
Gambling debts and cold promises lay heavy on the table
He ponders his life’s choices his heart feeling unstable

What’s the price of a man when the debt comes due
Numbers cold and calculated lives to pay it through
In the echo of the whispers deals are struck by hand
Negotiating futures what’s the price of a man

Shelby with reluctance offers Tom to pay the debt
But the trader’s eyes are greedy demands have not been met
Tom’s a man of faith and honor Shelby pleads his case
But the trader shakes his head wanting more in this grim race

Throw in the boy the trader says and put the matter to rest
Shelby’s heart is heavy his mind a tangled mess
Let me think things through he says come again tonight
The trader nods in silence vanishing from sight

These burdens weigh upon my soul
Debts that crush a heavy toll
Choices bound by laws and cash so cold
With lives at stake my sins take hold

It is impossible to improve this matter
When we have to do what’s so cruel
The weight of this burden that hearts must shatter
I am bound by the laws hard rules

Caught between the debts I owe
And lives that dangle in the throes
It is impossible to make things right
In the shadows of this night

Tom a beacon strong and pure
Harry’s innocence so unsure
Their fates entwined their futures obscure
In the shadows of this night

It is impossible to improve this matter
When we have to do what’s so cruel
The weight of this burden that hearts must shatter
I am bound by the laws hard rules

Caught between the debts I owe
And lives that dangle in the throes
Impossible to make things right
In the shadows of this night

The world is built on backs so bent
On dreams and lives unjustly spent
My choice a mirror and the results of sin
In a realm where love grows thin

Caught between the debts I owe
And lives that dangle in the throes
Impossible to make things right
Yet choose I must before the night

What must be done there is no choice
Harden my heart ignore the voice
If we don’t pay we all might fall
As bankruptcy will separate all

What must be done there is no choice
Separate a mother from her son
And a husband from his wife’s dear voice
Now to tell my wife what must be done

What must be done
What must be done

I heard all you and master said tonight
You will not blame me for this desperate plight
I’m going to try to save my boy take flight
God bless and reward you kind woman

This is God’s curse on slavery I proclaim
A bitter bitter most accursed shame
A curse to the master and a curse to the slave
In this darkness no one is saved

But my heart has no tears to give
It drops only blood
Bleeding itself away in silence
In the name of love

She said one soul’s worth more than the world
And this boy has a soul I know
If I let him be carried off
Who knows where it will go

I saw my husband just this afternoon
Little knew then what was coming soon
They pushed him to his last standing place
He said he’d run escape this disgrace

But my heart has no tears to give
It drops only blood
Bleeding itself away in silence
In the name of love
In the name of love

Tom I heard him say there was no choice
Between selling us and selling all
Chloe I’d tell my George if he could hear my voice
But I must run while the night falls

Toms sobs heavy hoarse his cries fill the air
Great tears fell through his fingers in despair
Just like tears you’d drop in a coffin’s sight
Where lay your first-born son lost in the night

But my heart has no tears to give
It drops only blood
Bleeding itself away in silence
In the name of love

In my own Gethsemane I pray
Oh Lord not my will but Yours I say
If I must be sold then let it be
To save them all I’ll pay this fee

But my heart has no tears to give
It drops only blood
Bleeding itself away in silence
In the name of love

O I’m going to glory come along with me
See the angels beckoning calling me free
See the golden city the everlasting day
In His arms we’ll find our way

With Chloe by my side one last night
We hold each other tight until the light
Her touch her voice my guiding star
Our love will hold wherever we are

But the heart has no tears to give
It drops only blood
Bleeding itself away in silence
In the name of love

If I must be sold or all should fall
Then I’ll be the one save them all
With bleeding heart in silence I pray
Keep Chloe safe come what may

Her boy clutched tight against her chest
Through the frosty night no time to rest
The ground beneath a creaking sound
Every shadow making her heart pound

“Mother do I need to stay awake?”
“No my darling sleep for both our sakes
If I do get sleep you won’t let him take me?”
“No God will help us both you’ll see”

The trader saw her called his men
But her feet barely touched the ground again and again
With wild cries and leaps in despair
To the other side she flies as if by air

The river like Jordan
A swollen tide
Cakes of ice
In waters wide
Down the steps
With a desperate cry
She leaps to freedom
Ready to die

With a heart full of fire she takes the leap
Across the ice the river deep
Blood marks the steps shoes left behind
In the name of love strength she finds

The ice swings and teeters up and down
Yet she presses on without a sound
The Lord preserves his own they say
As if by miracle she finds her way

With a heart full of fire she takes the leap
Across the ice the river deep
Blood marks the steps shoes left behind
In the name of love strength she finds

“O Mr. Symmes save me my child’s been sold
Don’t you have a son who’s just as old?”
“You’re brave” he said “I’ll help you through
Go down to that house they’ll know what to do”

“We saw her cross on the floating ice
Wasn’t no less than a miracle of Christ
Then a man helped her up the other side
Then into the night she did hide”

With a heart full of fire she takes the leap
Across the ice the river deep
Blood marks the steps shoes left behind
In the name of love strength she finds

Across the ice her heart beats strong
A mother’s love is where he belongs
In the darkest night through the blood and fear
She finds her freedom her child held near

In the cold of night a knock at the door
A mother and child fleeing from the shore
A Senator torn between the law and light
But in his heart he knows what is truly right

Mrs. Shelby’s promise strong and true
We’ll buy back Tom and see it through
Renting out Chloe pies to bake and sell
Every coin saved will bring Tom home well

For in the darkest times compassion leads the way
A vow to restore a vow to protect
From the hands of sorrow we’ll make a brighter day
Through acts of love and courage we all connect

Senator Bird with a heart so kind
Shelters Eliza and alleviates her mind
Guides her to safety points the way
On to freedom and a brighter day

With every pie sold a dream to fulfill
Mrs. Shelby’s heart and our unwavering will
This vow to Chloe brings hope to her eyes
In the bonds of compassion our strength lies

For in the darkest times compassion leads the way
A vow to restore a vow to protect
From the hands of sorrow we’ll make a brighter day
Through acts of love and courage we all connect

Two hearts one purpose in a world so torn
To heal wounds is where love is born
In every act of kindness a spark of light
To guide us through the darkest night

Shelby’s coins saved each day a step
Closer to Tom and the promise kept
The Senator’s aid a guiding hand
In compassion together they stand

For in the darkest times compassion leads the way
A vow to restore a vow to protect
From the hands of sorrow we’ll make a brighter day
Through acts of love and courage we all connect

Through different paths they walk hand in hand
The Senator and Mrs. Shelby take a stand
In a world divided their hearts unite
To bring forth justice and keep hope in sight

It was late in a drizzly afternoon
At a country inn in Kentucky’s heart
A traveler arrived seeking warmth
As the storm began to start
In the bar room tall Kentuckians
Lounged with rifles by their side
With hunting dogs and little slaves
While weather’s force did bide

A large handbill caught their eye a runaway slave’s plight
George’s name and features listed for all to see in sight
Mr. Wilson from the factory recognized his friend
They spoke of plans and freedom and how this tale would end

They seek a lone slave on the run and afraid
But I’ve changed my looks and travel with friends
Staying at inns with a plan carefully made
But if things come to some desperate ends
They’ll find me armed and unafraid

Step by step I’m breaking free
In disguise I journey to my liberty
My heart is strong my path is clear
My freedom is drawing near

Christians don’t know how these things look to us
There’s a God for you but is there one for us
With each mile I travel closer to freedom’s light
I journey on with hope until Canada’s in sight

Step by step I’m breaking free
In disguise I journey to my liberty
My heart is strong my path is clear
My freedom is drawing near

“Where is your wife George” if I may be so bold
“She’s ran with our child when she found he was sold
Gone to the north Lord only knows where
Whether we meet again I can’t say or swear”

Step by step I’m breaking free
In disguise I journey to my liberty
My heart is strong my path is clear
My freedom is drawing near

Mr. Wilson with a heavy heart offered all his cash in aid
As George prepared to leave unafraid
“Tell my wife I love her if I die along the way
And in the land of freedom my love will ever stay”Step by step I’m breaking free
In disguise I journey to my liberty (liberty)
My heart is strong my path is clear
My freedom is drawing near (near)

The boat creaked and groaned as it left the shore
Lucy sat down her heart heavy and sore
The trader nearby with a cold callous stare
Her child was gone and despair filled the air

Lucy your child is gone
Sold to a family far away anon
Under the dark of night under silent skies
Twinkling down under solemn angels eyes

Tom watched in silence the horror untold
A mother’s heart shattered the story unfold
The law saw her as cargo just bales and crates
But her pain was real and her love innate

Lucy your child is gone
Sold to a family far away anon
Under the dark of night under silent skies
Twinkling down under solemn angels eyes

At midnight Tom woke to a splash in the night
A shadow slipped away out of sight
Lucy’s place was empty her pain set free
Into the water into eternity

Lucy your child is gone
Sold to a family far away anon
Under the dark of night under silent skies
Twinkling down under solemn angels eyes

The trader felt nothing used to such scenes
The presence of death part of his means
But in heaven above every tear is known
By the Man of Sorrows who calls us His own

Lucy your child is gone
Sold to a family far away anon
Under the dark of night under silent skies
Twinkling down under solemn angels eyes

Who makes the trader Who is most to blame
Who supports the system igniting this flame
You make the public call for his trade
Depraving him until he feels no shame
In what world are you better than he
When we set the demand and let this be

Lucy your child is gone
Sold to a family far away anon
Under the dark of night under silent skies
Twinkling down under solemn angels eyes

The river flows with many dreams
Changed by time with busy streams
Through waters dark hearts are sad
But hope and love can make them glad
On the boat I wander free
With golden hair just like a dream
I see Tom there he smiles at me
I made a kind friend is what it seems

I’m Eva just five years old
With violet eyes and a heart of gold
Pale and frail but full of grace
I will light this world with my embrace

I leaned over the edge of the boat
To see the logs being loaded below
Curious eyes I watched with glee
But then I slipped fell into the sea
The water was cold it pulled me down
I felt so scared I thought I’d drown
But strong arms came and assisted me
Tom saved my life and lifted me

I’m Eva just five years old
With violet eyes and a heart of gold
Pale and frail but full of grace
I light the world with my embrace

I saw the pain in Tom’s kind eyes
With my dad we changed his life
Tom’s new master our paths combine
Together now everything’s fine

Tom saved me from the water deep
In his arms I felt so safe
He’s so strong and kind to keep
A friend I’ll love with every day
“Papa please buy him” I softly say
“To make him happy please okay?”
My daddy smiles and then agrees
To make Tom happy and put his heart at ease

I’m Eva just five years old
With violet eyes and a heart of gold
Pale and frail but full of grace
I light the world with my embrace

I wish for Tom’s journey a happy end
With love and hope his heart to mend
In the sunshine we’ll find our way
With smiles and laughter every day

In novels hearts break and then they die
Stories end with a tear and a sigh
But life persists from night to day
Even when our hope fades away

We move through shadows lost in time
In the busy world we tow the line
Eating drinking dressing we proceed
Living life through every deed

In real life we don’t just die
When all that makes life bright to us has said goodbye
We carry on through old and new
When all that’s called living is left to do

Tom and Chloe worlds apart
Their love endures within their heart
George and Eliza apart they flee
Chasing dreams of liberty

St. Clare’s heart once filled with light
Now shadows darken day and night
An unloving wife constant strife
His growing concern for his daughter’s life

We move through shadows lost in time
In the busy world we tow the line
Eating drinking dressing we proceed
Living life through every deed

In real life we don’t just die
When all that makes life bright to us has said goodbye
We carry on through old and new
When all that’s called living is left to do

Hearts may break but still they beat
In the patterns of life they find a seat
Wandering seeking buying and selling
When the heart will mend there’s no foretelling

In real life we don’t just die
When all that makes life bright to us has said goodbye
We carry on through old and new
When all that’s called living is left to do

So we live our lives with ache unbending
In this world it’s never-ending
Through this pain we make our way
Living life day by day (day by day)

Tom arrives at the grand estate
Where hopes are high and fears abate
Through gilded doors a soul conflicted
But in his care he feels protected

A new life begins with the St. Clares
Tom finds a home with all new airs
With cautious hope he starts to see
A future bright yet still wary

Eva’s laughter pure and bright
Her joyful spirit a guiding light
With every smile she spreads her grace
In her presence a peaceful space

Marie’s cold eyes a distant shore
A mistress frail yet wanting more
Her selfish ways a constant strife
Yet Tom endures he learns her life

A new life begins with the St. Clares
Tom finds a home with all new airs
With cautious hope he starts to see
A future bright yet still wary

Miss Ophelia stern and fair
St. Clare’s cousin with strength to spare
A Northern soul in Southern lands
She guides with firm yet steady hands

Adolph’s pride a butler’s role
Vanity and envy in his soul
He stands so tall yet feels the sting
Of Tom’s resolve a humbling thing

Through marble halls where echoes sing
Tom’s spirit rises on newfound wings
Each morning sun a chance to pray
For St. Clare’s heart to find its way

A new life begins with the St. Clares
Tom finds a home with all new airs
With cautious hope he starts to see
A future bright yet still wary

A new chapter turns with heavenly grace
His life a witness of God’s face
To serve his Lord before the throne
In every deed even when alone

In the silence of my study when the shadows grow long
I sit and ponder what’s right and wrong
A life of luxury built on others’ pain
In this gilded cage where I hold the chain

Questions swirl a tempest in my mind
Truths I seek yet answers I can’t find

Philosopher’s dilemma heart and mind at war
In the mirror of my soul what am I fighting for
Intellect and conscience clashing in the night
In the depths of my conflict I must find what is right

I see religion is bent to fit every selfish fire
And become less compassionate than my own desire
When I look for a religion I must look for something higher
And not for something that will bless me in the mire

Morality’s maze winding through my soul
Seeking the path to make me whole

Philosopher’s dilemma heart and mind at war
In the mirror of my soul what am I fighting for
Intellect and conscience clashing in the night
In the depths of my conflict I must find what is right

Morality’s maze winding through my soul
Seeking the path to make me whole

Philosopher’s dilemma heart and mind at war
In the mirror of my soul what am I fighting for
Intellect and conscience clashing in the night
In the depths of my conflict I must find what’s right

Eva’s eyes so pure see the world so clear
Her innocence and love wash away my fear
Yet the weight of legacy heavy on my chest
Can I face the truth and finally confess

It is religion that descends to meet the world’s embrace
Yet I seek a higher truth a purer grace
No bending faith no compromise
In the search for truth I must find the lies

Philosopher’s dilemma heart and mind at war
In the mirror of my soul what am I fighting for
Intellect and conscience clashing in the night
In the depths of my conflict I must find what’s right

In this silent battle only time will tell
If I can break free from this personal hell
The philosopher’s path fraught with pain and strife
I’m searching for the courage to change my life

Reunited hearts in a moment so sweet
In a Quaker house George and Eliza complete
With gentle hands our fears are soothed away
In this safe haven we find strength today

Rachel’s hands they work with tender care
Preparing for the journey we must dare
Simeon’s voice a calming steady tone
In this kind house where we know we’re not alone

“With you Eliza and our child so dear
We’ll face the future casting off our fear”
“Through trials deep we’ll find a brighter way
Our love and hope will never go astray”

“Is God on their side” George cried in despair
“Does He see all they do does He even care
They’re rich they’re happy they expect heaven’s gates
While we lie in the dust and are crushed by their hate”

“They buy and sell and trade our blood
And God lets them in this merciless flood
They say the Bible’s on their side
And in their churches they take pride”

“Friend George listen to this Psalm so true
It may soothe your soul bring peace anew
When I sought to understand it was too painful for me
That is until I entered in to God’s sanctuary

It was only then that I saw their downfall
God had placed them where they could fall
He cast them down to their demise
And when He awakes their image He will despise

Yet I am always with You guided by Your hand
Guided by Your counsel by Your command
Afterwards You’ll receive me in glory’s grand
And in Your presence forever I’ll stand”

“If this world were all there is you might ask where’s the Lord
But He chooses those with the least reward
Trust in Him no matter what befalls
He’ll make it right beyond these earthly walls”

“With you Eliza and our child so dear
We’ll face the future casting off our fear”
“Through trials deep we’ll find a brighter way
Our love and hope will never go astray”

With trust renewed I’ll face the night
In God’s guidance I’ll find His might
Through trials deep and paths unkind
In His promise peace we’ll find

Underneath the moon’s silver hue
Silent whispers shadows pursue
Phineas guides with lantern low
Through woods where the wild winds blow

Hooves thunder and hearts pound
The night’s cloak is our battleground
In the distance danger looms
Our path lit by the stars’ silent boons

Hooves thunder hearts pound
In the night freedom is found

Run through the forest shadows in tow
Chasing the dawn where hope will grow
Stars above our silent guides
Strength in unity where love abides

George with eyes that burn like coal
Grips his fate his tethered soul
Eliza clings to hope so thin
A mother’s love her strength within

Through valleys deep and ridges high
We race beneath a starlit sky
Each breath a pledge each step a vow
To break those chains that would bind us now

Hooves thunder hearts pound
In the night freedom is found

Run through the forest shadows in tow
Chasing the dawn where hope will grow
Stars above our silent guides
Strength in unity where love abides

Tom Loker’s shadow a menacing blur
Charged at George with reckless spur
A gunshot splits the night in two
Loker falls his strength withdrew

Phineas saw they were safe and sound
Turned back to help where Loker was found
“Because after death comes the judgment”
It matters not the man’s intent

Hooves thunder hearts pound
In the night freedom is found

Run through the forest shadows in tow
Chasing the dawn where hope will grow
Stars above our silent guides
Strength in unity where love abides

Across the rocks we fly with haste
Every moment a breathless chase
Dawn approach lightens our load
Our spirits lift a brighter road

Phineas returns with Loker in tow
A testament to mercy where compassion flows
But for us our path is clear
Together we’ll reach Canada free from fear

Hold tight to the dream
Through darkness our spirits gleam
In the night we’ll find our light
Freedom dawns within our sight

Prue from the estate just down the way
Her heart heavy night and day
She found Tom and shared her grief
A life of sorrow in liquid spirits seeking relief

A mother who held her child so dear
But in a world so cruel she lived in fear
Sold to a master heartless and cold
Couldn’t nurse her baby its cries uncontrolled

In the shadows of despair she found no life
Turned to drink to ease her plight
Lost her child her heart forever worn
In a world so cruel her spirit torn

Prue owned by a family so harsh
Forced to put her baby far beyond her arms
Her mistress said “Your child’s too loud
Put it in the attic away from the crowd”

The baby cried night and day
Prue’s heart broke in every way
In the silence the baby wasted away
And when she passed so did her will that day

In the shadows of despair she found no life
Turned to drink to ease her plight
Lost her child her heart forever worn
In a world so cruel her spirit torn

Tom knelt beside her in her darkest night
Spoke of Jesus’ love and the guiding light
“Prue there’s hope beyond this world’s despair
In His arms you’ll find a refuge there”

“Prue He suffered for us all you see
To give us hope to set our spirits free
There’s a place where pain will cease
In His love you’ll find your peace”

“Tom if heaven’s full of white folks there
I don’t want to go I couldn’t bear
All my life they’ve brought me pain
In that place I’d feel the same”

Tom with tears replied so true
“Prue His love is there for you
In His arms there’s no more race
Only peace and warm embrace”

In the shadows of despair she found no life
Turned to drink to ease her plight
Lost her child her heart forever worn
In a world so cruel her spirit torn

Later in a cellar beaten and left alone to cry
Prue’s spirit broke and she closed her eyes
Consumed by sorrow’s deep abyss
She couldn’t grasp the hope within Tom’s bliss

Tom prayed for Prue his heart so wide
“Lord take her pain be by her side”
In the silent night his tears did fall
For Prue’s lost soul he gave his all“Prue He suffered for us all you see
To give us hope to set our spirits free
There’s a place where pain will cease
In His love you’ll find your peace”

Ophelia said “Augustine isn’t it awful what happened to Prue
You should do something this cannot continue”

Augustine replied “You see a peek behind the curtain a glimpse of their plight
But there’s nothing I can do it’s their prerogative their right
To destroy their own possessions it’s a tragic brutal sight”

Marie then said “Prue was beyond help just a falling star
Drunk and worthless she wandered too far
No pity for those who shun the light
It’s a harsh world Ophelia that’s life”

In the heart of the night the clash of minds
Different worlds and different times
Augustine seeks to find a way
In the shadows truth will sway

Ophelia exclaimed “Marie how can you be so blind and cold
Prue’s story of sorrow needs to be told
Whipped and beaten left to die
This cruelty makes the angels cry”

Augustine replied “Ophelia your heart is kind but laws are grim
The owners have the power the chances are slim
To change this world we need more than just will
It’s a mountain to climb a bitter pill”

Marie then said “People like Prue bring their fate upon their head
They choose their path that’s why she’s dead
Sympathy’s wasted on those who fall
We must think of ourselves after all”

In the heart of the night the clash of minds
Different worlds and different times
Augustine seeks to find a way
In the shadows truth will sway

Augustine spoke “Marie your words are sharp devoid of grace
Prue’s suffering wasn’t her choice to embrace
Forced to leave her babe in an attic far
Her cries unheard beneath the stars”

Ophelia responded “This system it must be brought to an end
The laws of man need a change my friend
Every soul deserves a chance to rise
In a world where compassion never dies”

Augustine replied “I don’t defend it I simply state
It’s a complex world with a tangled fate
Let me tell you of Scipio my hand
A man of defiance from the African land”

In the heart of the night the clash of minds
Different worlds and different times
Augustine seeks to find a way
In the shadows truth will sway

Augustine continued “Scipio was fierce and bold would not be tamed
In the swamps he ran his owner maimed
He killed the dogs with fists so strong
Shot and wounded but I defended him from the throng”

“Captured wounded I bought him at last
Took him home to my own bed and dressed his wounds with care
Healed his body nursed him with kindness rare”

“With gentle care I helped him rise
A brother now before my eyes
I offered him his freedom with papers in hand
But he tore them apart chose to remain and stand”

“Scipio’s loyalty his love so true
Showed me what compassion could do
In a world so cruel a heart so pure
Proved that kindness is the cure”

In the heart of the night the clash of minds
Different worlds and different times
Augustine seeks to find a way
In the shadows truth will sway

“A few years later the cholera came
The plague took many and I thought me the same
Deathly sick I lay within my bed
It was Scipio who came when all had fled”

“Back to health he brought me when I could have died
But then the cholera took him and although I tried
I could not save him and when he passed I cried
It’s a complex world with a tangled fate
Some folks get it and others too late”

In the quiet of the evening Eva sat so still
With a calm acceptance knowing Heaven’s will
While her family denied she knew her fate
Her soul serene no room for hate

Eva’s peaceful light shining so bright
In the darkest night her spirit takes flight
With a heart so pure she’s heaven’s own
In her father’s arms she’s never alone

To Uncle Tom she spoke with a voice so clear
“I understand Tom there’s nothing to fear
I’d give my life to end their pain
For every soul that’s bound in chains”

Eva’s peaceful light shining so bright
In the darkest night her spirit takes flight
With a heart so pure she’s heaven’s own
In her father’s arms she’s never alone

Papa don’t be sad my time will come soon
I’ll be with the angels and the bridegroom
Promise me you’ll carry on my love so true
And set Tom free by the stars above for me and you

Her kindness spread through every room
Touched every heart dispelled the gloom
Tom admired her gentle grace
In her eyes he saw God’s face

Eva’s peaceful light shining so bright
In the darkest night her spirit takes flight
With a heart so pure she’s heaven’s own
In her father’s arms she’s never alone

St. Clare held her close tears in his eyes
Eva’s words her final goodbyes
“Papa when I’m gone remember my plea
Set them free for love of me”

Eva’s peaceful light shining so bright
In the darkest night her spirit takes flight
With a heart so pure she’s heaven’s own
In her father’s arms she’s never alone

“O Eva tell us what you see what is it” said her father
A bright glorious smile her words were softer
“O! love joy and peace” she sighed
And with one breath from death to life she did glide

“Farewell beloved child the eternal doors close behind
We’ll wake to the gray sky your light we’ll never find
O woe to those who saw you leave to Heaven’s gate
We’ll miss your sweet face now gone to your fate”

Week after week in the St. Clare mansion
Life’s flow returned but his heart felt abandoned
Eva’s memory lingered her voice called from above
But sorrow’s heavy weight kept him from love

“O Lord I’m trying to see
Through the veil of doubt that covers me
God be my guide in my darkest night
Help me believe help my heart find your light”

St. Clare read Eva’s Bible with tears in his eyes
Thoughts of freeing Tom to break the ties
“Tom I’ll make you free pack your things to go”
Tom’s joy and faith made his spirit grow

“O Lord I’m trying to see
Through the veil of doubt that covers me
God be my guide in my darkest night
Help me believe help my heart find your light”

Think O Jesus for what reason
You endured earth’s spite and treason
Nor me lose in that dread season
Seeking me thy worn feet hasted
On the cross thy soul death tasted
Let not all these toils be wasted

“Master your soul can still be saved”
Tom’s faith shone bright his spirit brave
“We serve the Lord when we help his own”
In every word his faith was shown

St. Clare began to see the light
Started the papers Tom’s freedom in sight
But shadows loomed while this task wasn’t done
Remembering Eva’s light his setting sun

“O Lord I’m trying to see
Through the veil of doubt that covers me
God be my guide in my darkest night
Help me believe help my heart find your light”

One fateful night there was a tragic fight
St. Clare was wounded and losing his might
“Tom pray for me” he earnestly cried
As Tom’s heartfelt prayers rose to the skies

“O Lord I’m starting to see
Through the veil of doubt that covers me
God be my guide in my darkest night
Help me believe help my heart find your light”

“In the gates of eternity black and white hold tight
St. Clare’s soul found peace in the Lord’s sight
With one last breath he called “Mother”
And so from death to life he crossed over

Eva’s light shone guiding him home
Leaving unfinished tasks for others to own
“O Lord I’m finally free
In your arms for all eternity”

In the silence after sorrow as the night turns to day
Tom’s heart bears the burden of his dreams in dismay
Promises unfulfilled with St. Clare’s passing breath
In the quiet of the mansion they prepare for what’s next

Shadows of fate cast a long and weary shade
From hope to fear our hearts are sorely swayed
The auction looms ahead with an uncertain dawn
In the shadows of our fate we must carry on

Rosa’s tears fall silently the order in her hand
Fear of the whipping house in this cruel ruthless land
Miss Ophelia pleads Rosa’s case to Marie but it falls on deaf ears
Marie’s heart is hardened against mercy’s tears

Shadows of fate cast a long and weary shade
From hope to fear our hearts are sorely swayed
The auction looms ahead with an uncertain dawn
In the shadows of our fate we must carry on

Promises of freedom buried in despair
Tom’s faith is his beacon in this world unfair
Miss Ophelia writes a letter a plea for Tom’s rights
But the path ahead is shadowed as day turns into night

With the paperwork unfinished Marie’s heart closed and cold
Tom and others are marched off to the fate they fear
In the slave-warehouse waiting their spirits to be sold
Bound by faith and hope through the long dark cold

Shadows of fate cast a long and weary shade
From hope to fear our hearts are sorely swayed
The auction looms ahead with an uncertain dawn
In the shadows of our fate we must carry on

In the shadows of our fate though the world seems bleak
Tom’s faith stands strong his spirit is not weak
Through trials and tribulations their courage shines bright
In the shadows of their fate they continue the fight

In the crowded square they gathered
Shadows cast long and stark
Tom stands tall and silent sighs
Lives are sold in the dark
Underneath the auction hammer
Futures bought and sold
Tom’s faith remains unbroken
Though the world grows cold (grows cold)

Faces blur with desperation
Voices cold and cruel
Each bid a heavy hammer
Hearts crushed under rule
The price of a soul
A number in a game with no remorse
Lives reduced to currency
Traded without recourse

What’s the price of a man
When the debt comes due
Numbers cold and calculated
Lives to pay it through
In the echo of the whispers
Deals are struck by hand and then
Negotiated futures
What’s the price of a man
What’s the price of a man

Legree steps forward eyes like ice
His bid is final and high
Tom’s heart sinks knowing now
This place where hope comes to die

Among the crowd no friendly faces
Just the grim decree
Tom is sold to Legree’s cruel hand
His fate sealed to be

Voices raised in silent anguish
Tears that never show
A mother’s heart is breaking
Though her child will never know

In the cold light of the morning
Futures bought and sold
Tom’s unwavering spirit
Even as the world grows cold

The cost of human kindness
Weighed against the cost of sin
In this broken place
Hearts breaking
Though her child will never know

In the cold light of the morning
Futures bought and sold
Tom’s unwavering spirit
Even as the world grows cold

What’s the price of a man

In the dead of night through the barrens drear
Tom’s unshackled hands still chained by fear
“Put on these rags forget your past”
With a heart so cold and cruelty vast

“Take off your boots wear these coarse shoes
Your past and faith I’ll soon have out of youse”
In the darkness Tom’s Bible hid
In his pocket his faith amid

Legree a shadow a storm a blight
A tyrant ruling through pure fright
His heart a void where darkness thrives
In this realm no hope survives

Emmeline’s eyes filled with dread
Legree’s touch a terror widespread
The road a mournful twisted path
Where hope and joy had breathed their last

Dogs of fury straining tight
Ragged servants a hopeless plight
Tom weary from the road
Faced Legree’s heartless heavy load

Legree a shadow a storm a blight
A tyrant ruling through pure fright
His heart a void where darkness thrives
In this realm no hope survives

In the mill Tom’s kindness sparked a light
Among the weary within their plight
A Bible’s words a whisper of grace
In a land where evil permeates

Out of fury a cruel command
“Flog her now with your own hand”
Tom stood firm his spirit high
“I’d rather suffer I’d rather die”

“Servants obey your masters’ will”
But Tom’s soul it stood still
“My soul’s been bought it’s not for sale
By one whose love will never fail”

Legree a shadow a storm a blight
A tyrant ruling through pure fright
His heart a void where darkness thrives
In this realm no hope survives

Dragged away to be beaten right
Tom’s soul a beacon amidst the night
In the depths of despair a light still gleams
Against Legree’s dark cruel schemes

In the dead of night where shadows lie
Two souls entwined begin to cry
Emmeline’s plea her desperate call
Cassy’s bitter tale her rise and fall

Oh can we find a way to be free
In this land of pain and misery
Bound by sorrow haunted by fear
But a shade’s touch may bring us near

Our only escape is when we’re dead
Cassy’s despair a soul misled
Her heart once full of love and light
Now crushed by pain and lost in the night

Oh can we find a way to be free
In this land of pain and misery
Bound by sorrow haunted by fear
But a shade’s touch may bring us near

Our only escape is when we’re dead
Cassy’s despair a soul misled
Her heart once full of love and light
Now crushed by pain and lost in the night

Oh can we find a way to be free
In this land of pain and misery
Bound by sorrow haunted by fear
But a shade’s touch may bring us near

Legree’s torment a twisted mind
A past that haunts love left behind
Ghosts of the past a ghastly hope
Together they find a way to cope

Dreams of escape in brandy drowned
Where Cassy’s strength and Emmeline’s hope is found
A mother’s curse a daughter’s plea
A plan is seeded to set them free

Oh can we find a way to be free
In this land of pain and misery
Bound by sorrow haunted by fear
But a shade’s touch may bring us near

In the dawn a new day’s light
Their spirits strong ready to fight
For though their bodies may be contained
Their hearts’ resolve remains untamed

In the midst of the night among wisps of despair
Tom lifts his eyes to heaven and finds solace in prayer
Legree’s dark taunts echo evil close around
But Tom’s heart holds steady in God’s love he’s found

“The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?”
Through the darkest valleys His presence is near
With His strength and mercy He comforts me
In His mighty presence I am free

Legree’s whip may strike but cannot touch Tom’s soul
He may take this body but cannot kill my soul
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”
Tom fears no evil trusting with each breath

“The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?”
Through the darkest valleys His presence is near
With His strength and mercy He comforts me
In His mighty presence I am set free

Tom’s voice rings out in song a beacon in the night
“Blessed are the meek” in this unjust fight
Legree’s fury rises but Tom’s faith stands strong
In every trial he sings his victory song

“Father forgive them” Tom whispers through his pain
For he knows in suffering there’s eternal gain
Legree’s threats are hollow his power can’t prevail
For God’s love is sovereign and His grace will never fail

“The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?”
Through the darkest valleys His presence is near
With His strength and mercy He comforts me
In His mighty presence I am set free

Stand firm in His grace let no fear take hold
For the Lord our God is mighty His promises bold
“Thanks be to God who gives us the victory”
Through our Lord Jesus Christ we find our destiny

In the dead of night where shadows crawl
Cassy and Emmeline heed freedom’s call
Running through the mire hearts full of dread
Seeking sanctuary from the torment they fled