I stand on the stairway, my back to the dungeon
The doorway to freedom so close to my hand
Voices behind me still bitterly damn me
For seeking salvation they don't understand

[Chorus]
Lord, help me to shoulder the burden of freedom
And give me the courage to be what I can
And when I am wounded by those who condemn me
Lord, help me forgive them; they don't understand

Their lonely frustration, descending to laughter
Erases the footprints I leave in the sand
And I'm free to travel where no one can follow
In search of the kingdom they don't understand

[Chorus]

Lord, help me to shoulder the burden of freedom
And give me the courage to be what I can
And when I have wounded the last one who loved me
God, help her forgive me; I don't understand

Copyright: Universal Music Publishing Group
Writer(s): KRIS KRISTOFFERSON