This is a world of a different kind of life, a change in reality, a world real tight. You enter this world through cast iron gates; you can sense all the pressure and feel all the hate. They’re unloading the bus, the man’s laying down the rules; they’re taking away your rights and giving you your blues.
The next gate is opening you feel tense down inside, a new world revealed, you hope to survive. All eyes are watching as you’re escorted to your cell, then it all hits you, you messed up, you’ve just entered hell. Now they’re all going to be watching how you’re going to act; you lay out your program and always watch your back.
Outside worries must be left behind, it’s all about survival and I’m going to tell you why. Your tears turn into anger; your happiness into hate, not being on guard is a feeling you soon will relate. My hell is heartache of steel and stone, and I’m here all alone.
My place of hell is one small cell that no one wants to own; my body cramps from the cold and damp that chills me to the bone. For my crimes I pay with time, no jungle holds more danger, and everyday that comes my way each man remains a stranger.
They came today and took away the man who lived next door, to end his time, he took his life, he couldn’t take no more. It’s quiet here on my tier, cruel death has claimed another; each day wondering who will be next, and hoping it’s not my other neighbor. I hear the screams, the metal rings of keys and metal locks, the scrape of feet on the concrete as the prison guard patrols his/her block.
I watch my back for there is a lack of men who can be trusted; I just chill, I have the will before it is me who gets dusted. A secret I should tell you now, but do not tell another: in order to survive in here, a man must wear his cover. You do not know and will not know what lies within his heart, for he walked the walk and talks the talk and always plays the part.
But here’s the secret of the frightened man inside… if something fatal should come my way, should an occurrence take my life, please tell my wife I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared, and for me all she’s done. And though I’m gone one thing lives on, “My love eternally.” My one desire should I expire, is that no one cries for me. Just gather around the love of my life and tell her, “I’m finally free.”
