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