The Greek word 'martyr' actually means 'witness'. The word saint, which is always used in the plural form in scripture, means 'set aside.' This is a song about those who died for their faith and those who have to live with their faith.
Story behind the song
History and today.
Lyrics
The Proconsul spoke to Polycarp,
He said, "Just once deny his name,
Renounce this man named Jesus,
And you will not face the flame!"
Polycarp responded,
"For six and eighty years,
My Lord, has not denied me,
So, I won't deny him here."
He took the highway home.
He took the highway home.
A saint tied to a pillar,
With the tide roaring in.
"The next wave will drown you!"
A voice cried above the din.
The saint's voice rose louder,
Spoke crisp, and strong, and even:
"You can't drown a person,
Whose head is in high heaven!"
Martyr just means 'witness',
And saint means 'set aside',
We're set aside to witness to,
The Lord who gave his life.
And for some that meant the gallows,
And for some that has meant the flame.
But for everyone who does believe,
It means clinging to his name.
As you walk the long way home!
As you walk the long way home!