To make me who I am
But I always tried to lend a helping hand
Traveled some crooked roads and got some stories yet to tell
And where you came from to make you who you are
Theyre forever in my soul even though we had to part
God said, "I forgive you, wipe away the scars
Ive been through the mill and Ive paid my dues
Ive felt the joy and endured the pain
Some days I was blessed, some nights I was damned
But Ive been lucky that I always had a song
Walked so many miles in different peoples shoes
To hear this song I sing from my heart
Once I was a schemer but I always was a dreamer
But it took me who I was and where Ive been
To make me who I am
But it took me who I was and where Ive been
Broken bread with the devil, fallen on my knees to God
To make me who I am
Ive shot up with the junkie in piss stench halls
No one to care about them, living without hope
Oh, Ive seen the little children all strung out on dope
'Cause I know it took who you were
Once I was a deceiver, now I am a believer
They were so misunderstood but I wish they were still here
To make me who I am
Ill sing it with compassion, to try to right the wrong
This is dedicated to my friends in jail
Ive met a lot of lost souls in the bowels of hell
'Cause I know it took who you were
Once I was a deceiver, now I am a believer
'Cause, it took me, who I was and where Ive been
For my friend Roonie and Melvin who were so dear
But Ive been through the fire and Ive walked in the rain
Once my life was wretched but why should I regret it
For my brother Jake who had to ride the rail
But it took me, who I was and where Ive been