This song came to me after a particularly long Stanley Brothers jag. Robbie Fulks sang the high tenor on this track on my solo album, The Salt of Your Skin (2002).

If I fail to heed the calling
If I bid my heart refrain
If I turn away from the one true way
I will have lived my life in vain

Each life holds its portion of sorrow
Each life holds its share of reward
Each time as I stand at the crossroads
My soul cries out to be restored

Each day holds paths of glory
Each night the soul's release
If I can but choose to follow
Here on earth I'll have heavenly peace