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Roman Rule / The Otter's Holt

from Baile (Home) by The Crossing

/

about

This is the story of a man that we know so little about other than how he died and the fact that he became the first of many to receive salvation under the new covenant. The thief on the cross has always piqued my imagination, and since we are told so little about him I decided to write about what it might have been like for him living under the iron rule of Rome. -Tony

lyrics

ROMAN RULE

Four and thirty years ago my mother bore a child
In spite of all she did for me I grew up running wild
My father ran with Judah's band, was killed by Roman hands
My mother died when I was young, before I'd become a man

Life was all a Roman rule and just to stay alive
I learned to fight and cheat and steal in order to survive

In robbers' roosts and bandit caves 'twas there I learned my trade
They taught me how to use my fists and how to use a blade
Life's hard knocks had taught me well, my conscience seared and scarred
Hide the pain, the guilt, the shame . . . then living's not so hard

Life was all a Roman rule and just to stay alive
Kill the shame, hide the pain in order to survive

The years had flown, I had grown from cave rat to a thief
From bandit to a firebrand was an easy step for me
Then rumors came to tell of one who healed the blind and lame
They said His name was Yeshua, from Nazareth He came

When Life was all a Roman rule, just to stay alive
You kept Messiah in your dreams in order to survive

The sun-baked road to Bethany was where I met my fate
Roman law had found me as I entered through the gate
My life had been a folded fist, a hate-infected wound
This hill of crosses was for me but hope would find me soon

When life was all a Roman Rule, just to stay alive
I kept Messiah in my dreams in order to survive

Then the puzzle came together and I understood the plan
On the cross beside me was God’s sacrificial lamb
As others mock He looks at me and suddenly I see
I'm here because of things I've done. He’s here because of me

Remember me, remember me, remember me
When You come into Your kingdom

Now Rome has swung the hammer and my bones have given way
I'll pay the price for a rebel’s life before the end of day
I struggle now for my last breath if just to scream in pain
As all around me fades away . . . I hear Him call my name

credits

from Baile (Home), released September 7, 2010
Words: Tony Krogh, Music: Tony Krogh

Tony: lead vox, guitar
Mark: flute, background vox
Jen: fiddle
Hilde: cello
Eric: background vox, bodhran

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The Crossing Chicago

The Crossing is a talented group of musicians firmly rooted in the traditional celtic music featuring bagpipes, whistles, fiddle, cello and harp among their many instruments. They blend original songs with traditional Irish and Scottish jigs and reels as well as atmospheric ballads. With their songs they get you thinking while their instrumentals get your feet moving. ... more

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