yea , though he stands in the fear of the dark i shall walk at his right hand i have drawn rod and cudgel in his defense i shall lead him to the gate and if he seeks his end my heart shall keep him safe i can walk without it i can work without it i can sing half a woman surely goodness and mercy prevail in a city of sin as barter for a life beats for beats breaths for breath trade a heart for what 's mine i can breathe without it i can see without it i can sing half a woman i was leaning my forehead on the steering wheel when i finished .