I was walking down these empty streets
Lost in the clouds, tempted and weak
Every corner I turned, led me more off track
You'd think I'd have learned but lookin' back

I tried to stand but life got in the way
I felt Your hand in the midst of my pain

You heard my cry, You know my name
They pierced Your side, You bore my shame
You paid the price, You broke my chains
To live is Christ, to die is gain

I remember nights I struggled to sleep
I made promises I could never keep
Falling deeper into this hole I made
This lost sheep had gone astray

I was down for the count alone in the dark
When I cried out from my soul n my heart

You heard my cry, You know my name
They pierced Your side, You bore my shame
You paid the price, You broke my chains
To live is Christ, to die is gain

Now I see the ones, the ones who need
The peace and love you gave to me
I see myself in their sullen eyes
Needin' help but too full of pride

Maybe I can be the hand that pulls them up
When their world comes crashin' down
To lift them up when things get tough
And help them turn their life around

You heard my cry, You know my name
They pierced Your side, You bore my shame
You paid the price, You broke my chains
To live is Christ, to die is gain

Every day I wake up new
Knowing what I was made to do
You lifted me high, You lit my flame
To live is Christ, to die is gain 

To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain

Songwriter. Storyteller. Sound pioneer, Stan Countz is a genre-bending songwriter with over 300 original songs under his belt — a true craftsman of lyric and melody. From his debut track “Those Hap Happy Days” in 2005, a nostalgic tribute to the golden era of the ’50s and ’60s, Stan has built a musical legacy rooted in meaning, melody, and message.

Writing under the moniker Stan and Be Counted, he stands tall in the world of music as both a creator and a voice of purpose. His catalog spans a kaleidoscope of genres — from contemporary Christian rock and gospel to EDM, country pop, blues, R&B, hip hop, folk, and beyond. Each song is a reflection of his passion for storytelling and his desire to uplift, challenge, and connect.

Whether crafting soul-stirring love ballads, foot-tapping jingles, or heart-pounding hard rock anthems, Stan brings a rare blend of versatility, depth, and soul to every track. He doesn't just write songs — he writes moments you can feel.

Stan Countz is more than an artist — he’s a movement. A call to stand... and be counted. He is a prolific lyricist and lives in Denison, Texas with his artist/photographer wife. 

If you're an Artist looking for a song for the next hit, send me a message. Who knows, I may have a gem and a #1 hit for us both!