Well I'm not known for my spiritual ways
I'm known by the sweat of my brow
My back is strong
I was born to contend
With the land by the blade of a plow
Cursed is the land from beginning to end
Blessed is the man who'll not yield
For God takes pleasure in those who pursue
Him in the midst of their field
Through blood and marrow
Dust and rain
I hear heaven calling my name
Of sorrow, I am not afraid
I was not born to labor in vain
I have the rhythm of John Henry's hammer
Pulsing like fire through my veins
I'll never regret any days of my labor
This freedom that some think are chains
So I'll sink my hands down into the soil
Plant seeds for bread and for wine
And I'll sing a song for my wife and my children
When I come home every night
Through blood and marrow
Dust and rain
I hear heaven calling my name
Of sorrow, I am not afraid
I was not born to labor in vain
Despite my attempts
To avoid this affliction
I've failed to resist this earthly thorn
It turns like a screw into all my revelation
Twisting my sinew and bone
So I'll drag my leg slowly behind me
Through fields that will always be stained
It's true that I've lost ones I love
In the meantime, I will not labor in vain
Through blood and marrow
Dust and rain
I hear heaven calling my name
Of sorrow, I am not afraid
I was not born to labor in vain
I hear heaven calling my name
Of sorrow, I am not afraid
I was not born to labor in vain