Michael Martin Murphey - Master's Call

When I was but a young man, I was wild and full of fire
A youth 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 went 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 living, leads only to a fall
I learned that much and more the night I heard my Master's call

One night we rustled cattle, a thousand head or so
And started then out on the trail that leads to Mexico
When a norther started blowing and lightning 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
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 the 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 near, 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 past unfolded and I thought of wasted years
When a might 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 is his to take or give

A miracle performed that night, I wasn't meant to die
The dead ones formed a barricade nearly six or seven high
And right behind it there was I, afraid but safe and sound
I cried in vain 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 seas
Forgiven by the love of God, a love that will remain
I learned that much and more the night the Saviour called my name