(Verse 1) The sun beats down on dusty ground, another day, another task. I lift my hands and bend my back, behind this weary, hopeful mask. They say that grace is freely given, a gift for all who simply ask. But something in my soul just whispers, "there's more than this, a different task." (Chorus) So I work, I strive, I build each day, a ladder to the endless sky. Each kind deed, each heartfelt prayer, a coin I hope will buy. I'll earn my place among the righteous, I'll pay the price, whatever it takes. For the peace that lies beyond the gates, I'll work for my salvation's sake. (Verse 2) My neighbour rests upon his faith, says "all you have to do is call". But what about the ones who fall? Don't they deserve to stand up tall? I see the shadows of my past, the sins I've whispered and I've screamed. And only constant, honest labour, can wash away what I have deemed. (Chorus) So I work, I strive, I build each day, a ladder to the endless sky. Each kind deed, each heartfelt prayer, a coin I hope will buy. I'll earn my place among the righteous, I'll pay the price, whatever it takes. For the peace that lies beyond the gates, I'll work for my salvation's sake. (Verse 3) Satan has a third strategy in his war against the Lord But those of his believers were the ones who took his lies onboard Satan’s happy for His people, to believe Jesus died for them too But devoted are those to Jesus, were far more than a few (Bridge) My heart is filled with fear and trembling, every moment is a test. Am I worthy, am I enough, to be granted eternal rest? I see the finish line so far, a distant, shimmering, golden shore. And so I push on, ever harder, hoping to be worthy and more. (Chorus) So I work, I strive, I build each day, a ladder to the endless sky. Each kind deed, each heartfelt prayer, a coin I hope will buy. I'll earn my place among the righteous, I'll pay the price, whatever it takes. For the peace that lies beyond the gates, I'll work for my salvation's sake. (Outro) The work is never truly done, the burden never lightens up. But maybe in the striving, maybe in the constant giving up, I'll find a different kind of grace, a quiet peace I hadn't seen. That in the working, I was given, a love that's always been.