life was so simple before i died
life was so simple before i died
i was the center, i reasoned, i lied
the world was all mine; it’s all about me
don’t like it? too bad, i’m blind you see
i worked real hard at leavin’ my mark
just step on friends whenever i want
cut corners an’ cheat to make ends meet
my inside’s a mess; my outside’s so neat
life was so simple before i died
when things get tough, i’d go hide
people could learn a lot from me
arrogant an’ smug like me they should be
always lookin’ out for ol’ number one
controlin’ it all an’ gettin’ it done
life was so simple before i died
each time i get caught, i just lied
one selfish world steeped in sin
an’ i was the best; determined to win
so selfish an’ mean like everyone else
i ran from the truth to distance myself
old navy, gap, abercrombie & fitch
dad’s skipped town and mom’s a bitch
life was so simple before i died
watch tv while the whole world cried
acid an’ pot; extasy an’ coke;
what did it matter? life’s a big joke;
turn up the music; drown out the pain
my world was so perfectly lost insane
i’ve gotta lose weight; i’ve gotta have more
locked in my cell i stare at the door
no one would take me; no one would care;
when they might notice, its only to stare
mom doesn’t hear me; dad’s never here
party some more; hide all the tears
sex was the answer; the question was dumb.
just tryin’ to feel; i settled for numb
raised in the dark; longing for light
scared an’ confused; too tired to fight.
spinning around i started to fall
pretend to look happy; go to the mall
life was so simple before i died
round-n-around this carousel ride
annoyed i saw You would not pass me by
like a rock You stood there by my side
so i looked an’ saw You hangin’ up there
then i broke my own rules…i started to care.
i wanted to turn an’ hide from Your eyes
frozen in time; Love crucified
Your words are now etched inside on my heart
i hate my past love; i’d played sin’s good part
life was so simple before i died
now You are my center; arms spread wide
i wanted my sin and my Savior too
i wanted it all; then i looked at You
like the addict i crave just one more hit
in agony You scream; in church i sit
life was so simple before i died
i hung my head an’ started to cry
addicted aversion to all things bad
what makes You bleed now makes me sad.
i called my sin my love, my fun
now it has lost; in my place, You’ve won
staring nowhere at night wide awake
so much You ask, all for Christ’s sake
please take out this trash i once loved
i’m reachin’ for You; i’m seeking the dove
life was so simple before i died
my Savior, my Friend; my Love, my Guide


This is so great!!
Thanks John. Wow, that feels good.
I really like this poem E. Great Job! This is the one you gave at MACC when I came for the first time I think….right?
Megan, yes indeed. The recording of that event is linked at the top.
This is beautiful! Thanks, brother, for sharing.
Thank you Cathy!
Wow Ric. SO well written. It let me look into every emotion in the process.
Bad, came over and linked this up on my post today.
Thanks!
Hey Brent thanks. That “look into every emotion…” – that’s music to my ears.
This is amazing.
You’ve read into my life and we have never met.
Thank you for reminding me of my Hope and guide.
Thank you for reminding me of why I love his crucifixition so much and how deep that crucifixtion touches my life each and every day.
Heidi, You comment is SO encouraging and you remind me why I write. Thank you!
Tears…incredible..no words…
Darla, I was just reading your comment over on Brent’s blog and saw that Galatians 2:20 is one of your favorites too. This poem’s title is inspired by that verse. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
[...] Write the title to your memoir using 6 words Hot Feet: Pan to Pan Adventures [...]
Wow! That was great Ric! Thanks!
Hi Stephanie. Thank You!
R.I.P. Ric
R.I.C. – Rest In Christ! Cool 8)
Rest In Christ. hmmm… I like it. Thanks love.