When I was but a young man I was wild
And full of fire
A you'th within my teens but full of challenge and desire
I ran away from home and left my mother
And my dad
I know it grieved them so to
Think their only boy was bad
I fell in with an outlaw band
Their names were known quite well
How many times we robbed and plundered
I could never tell
This kind of sinful livin' well leads only to a fall
I learned that much and more the night
I heard my master call
One night we rustled cattle
A thousand head or so
And started them out on the trail that leads to Mexico
But a norther started blowin'
And lightnin' flashed about
I thought someone was calling me
I thought I heard a shout
Then at that moment lightning struck not
Twenty yards from me
And left there was a giant
'Cross where once there was a tree
And this time I knew a heard a voice
A voice so sweet and strange
A voice that came from everywhere
A voice that called my name
So frightened I was thinking
Of sinful deeds I'd done
I failed to see a thousand
Head of cattle start to run
The cattle they stampeded were running all around
My pony ran but stumbled and
It threw me to the ground
I felt the end was nearing
That death would be the price
When a mighty bolt of lightning
Showed the face of Jesus Christ
And I cried oh Lord forgive
Me don't let it happen now
I want to live for you alone
Oh God these words I vow
My wicked life unfolded and I thought of wasted years
When another bolt of lightning
Killed a hundred head of steers
And the others rushed on by me and
I was left to live
The master had a reason life was his to take and give
A miracle performed that night I wasn't meant to die
The dead ones formed a barricade least 6 or 7 high
Right behind it there was I afraid but safe and sound
I cried and begged for mercy
Kneeling there upon the ground
A pardon I was granted my sinful soul set free
No more to fear the angry waves upon life's stormy sea
Forgiven by the love of God a love that will remain
I gave my life and soul
The night the savior called my name
I gave my life and soul
The night the savior called my name
