The Ballad of a Martyr
by Joshua Coats

And as I lay me down to sleep
And breathe my final breath,
I can't help wondering how much
I differed from the rest.

I realize that some believe
That being me is wrong,
And now my life, though far too short, 
Is ending before long.

(Chorus)
And maybe if I'd acted like
Someone I couldn't be,
Then maybe I'd still be around,
But I would not be me.

I can't grasp how these things are heard
As law from up above ---
They tell us, “war among yourselves”
Signed from “a God of Love”.

I find it more believable
That this hate came from men,
Who, bullied, chose to seek revenge
And start it all again.

(Chorus)

I find I close my eyes and think
I'll rest now for a while.
My soul departs my body, and
I breathe out with a smile.

For even as I know I die,
I think --- or rather, pray --- 
That someday, maybe even soon,
We'll find another way.

(Chorus)

[to the same tune as the chorus]
And I know I could never be
How they told me to be.
And though I feel my body sag,
My spirit's proud of me.