In 1998 the state of Texas executed Karla Faye Tucker for a terrible crime she had committed.
The lead up to the execution caught my attention and I followed the story closely. As the 24-hour window of time prior to the execution came there was a lot of discussion and speculation on whether the Governor of Texas, the Supreme Court or the President would issue a “stay of execution”. It was scheduled for the early morning hours and as the clock counted down and I went to bed that night, the following thought was on my mind – “If we wake up tomorrow morning and she is gone, will the world be any better for this?”
The next morning, I turned on the news and learned she was no longer among the living.
Several years later I sat down to write a song about this. As I worked on the song it was difficult to write in the context of 2nd or 3rd person, so I decided to embody it and write it in 1st person.
A Dying Thought
I’ll walk down the aisle, and I’ll take the last seat
They’ll anchor my hands, and anchored my feet
That will hold me firmly on the ground
Will the world be better after I’m gone?
Sir do you have, any last words?
A final thought, while on this earth
A confession, to the ones you leave behind?
Will the world be better after I’m gone?
I’ve made my peace, and I’ve shed my tears
I’ve dealt with the past and I’m facing my fears
Please forgive me if you find the time
Will the world be better after I’m gone?
Tomorrow I’ll be, at rest in my grave
Will you still wear that pain on your face?
Will you still carry some grace in your heart?
Will the world be better after I’m gone?
Musicians:
Scott Schultz: Producer, Engineer, Drums, Background Vocals
Kevin Troyer: Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals
Rob Muzick: Electric Guitars
Johnny Stanton: Bass
Josh Schultz: Keys & Organ
Jim Ed Hodges: Fiddle
Tommy Hannum: Pedal Steel
Carissa Eldridge: Background Vocals
Mastered by: Scott Schultz
All Tracks recorded at Raindrop Studios, Nashville Tennessee
All lyrics ©Kevin Troyer & recordings ©7th Rest Publishing