When I was but a young lad, I was wild and full of fire, A youth within my teens, 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 gang their names were known quite well. How many times we robbed and plundered I could never tell. That kind of sinful living 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 more, and headed them upon the trail that leads to Mexico. When a norther starting blowing and lightening flashed about, I thought someone was calling me, I thought I heard a shout.
Lightening struck at that moment, not twenty yards from me, and left there was a giant cross, where once there was a tree. This time I knew I 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 the thousand head of cattle start to run. The cattle they stampeded were running all around, My pony ran but stumbled and he throw me to the ground.
I felt the end was near that death would be the price, when a mighty bolt of lightening 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 past unfolded I thought of wasted years, when another bolt of lightening 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 is his to take or give.
A miracle performed that night, I wasn't meant to die. The dead ones formed a barricade six or seven high. And right behind it there was I afraid but safe and sound. I cried in vain for mercy even there upon the ground. A pardon I was granted my sinful soul set free. No more to fear the angry waves upon lives 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.
