In my cell so dark and dreary
The touch of God's hand I can feel
Asking Him to please forgive me
Before Him pleading I would kneel

I know someday beyond the sunset
He'll call my name to make amends
Till that day I'll keep on prayin'
And ask that he forgive my sins

Must I spend my life without a goal
In the staleness of this barren hole?
Must the ceiling always be my sky
Is this the way my youth must die?

Could fate no better world arrange
Than gloomy walls that never change
No stars or moon to shine on high
Is this the way my youth must die?

Where the sun is such a stranger
Mind and soul are both in danger
With naught to do but sit and sigh
Is this the way my youth must die?

This bare existence is not life
I'd rather live in pain and strife
My heart is tired but cannot cry
Is this the way my youth must die?
My life is merely night and day
With food brought in upon a tray
To let me live but not to try
Is this the way my youth must die?

Ah God give me the open air
Give me hope and even care
Let me live God and let me try
'Cause this is no way for youth to die

I know someday beyond the sunset
He'll call my name to make amends
Till that day I'll keep on prayin'
And ask that He forgive my sins