From the recording Inspired

Written by Jason Matthews & Jim McCormick
Songs Of Universal Inc./Mayes Place Music (BMI)
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Jim McCormick Music (BMI)

Lyrics

CROSS AROUND MY NECK
(Jason Matthews/Jim McCormick)

This cross around my neck was handed down to me
By my grandpa just before he saw Heaven’s golden streets
It was tarnished and worn, seen a lifetime of storms
Hangin' there on that silver chain
And with his last grain of sand he put it in my hand
And said “Wear it the rest of your days,” so
his cross around my neck is always close to my heart
It’s hung in there and given me a prayer when this world’s tried to tear me apart
I’ve been despised and criticized
For wearing something that means something to me
But I ain’t taking it off cause without this cross
Lord knows where I would be
Cause it shines a light on
What’s right and what’s wrong
And it points the way home
All those times that I forget
I’d be lost without this cross around my neck
It’s a heavy load, a narrow road
But I have no regrets
Every day I walk in its way
It weighs just a little bit less
This cross around my neck someday it’s gonna be yours
When my work is done and the angels come and life starts closing its doors
When that trumpet sounds, I’ll lay it down
With all my burdens and I’ll fly away
And son, I hope you’ll pick it up
And carry it the rest of the way
Cause it shines a light on
What’s right and what’s wrong
And it points the way home
All those times that I forget
I’d be lost without this cross around my neck

 

Jason Matthews was born in Harrell's Store, North Carolina. At fifteen he saw Eric Clapton on television and became obsessed with writing songs. 

His first industry fan, WRFX DJ Macon in Charlotte, gave Matthews' demo to legendary musical comedy team Pinkard and Bowden, who subsequently invited Matthews to be their roadie and in-house writer. After a year on the road, he settled in Nashville to pursue his dream of becoming a hit songwriter. 

In 2006, he landed his first Number One with Billy Currington's version of his song, “Must Be Doin' Something Right.” This earned him the coveted Music Row Magazine Breakthrough Writer Of The Year award and several ASCAP awards. 

In 2008, Jason released the critically acclaimed album called "Hicotine" and the single "That's What Mamas Do". 

Jason is an artist with Valhalla Music Group.