An echo fades of sounds once heard

By thousands brought together for

His ringing voice, a soul that stirred

The faithful to a mighty roar.



For twenty years upon the stage

For twenty years upon the stage

The passion deep within his soul

Brought forth the anger and the rage

His vision locked upon one goal.



The promises of rock and roll could

Break the chains upon his life,

Guitar in hand he vowed he would

Be free from pain and inner strife.



He shook the rafters in the halls

And brought the faithful to their feet,

His river coursed through mighty walls

Across this land, down every street.



With flag unfurled he took the word

Across the seas to hungry youth

Who raised their hands when e'er they heard

His cries for faith, and hope, and truth.



Today he stands with inner peace

A man content with home and health,

Upon his brow a jagged crease

A symbol of success and wealth.



The thunder of his younger days

Has passed, and now his words reveal

A calmer soul in many ways

Fulfilled with satisfactions real.



His arms upraised against the light

He stands alone, his eyes look toward

The ground below, a bird in flight

Still searching for his true reward.



His mission done, he finds retreat

With children and a loving wife,

His body tired from the heat

The price he pays for touring life.



But deep within the longings stir

The music runs within him still,

His passions for the times that were

Are stronger than his iron will.



And all of us who know the man

Will come together when he cries

The message we all understand

The thunder in us never dies.