Masters Call

Marty Robbins

A. 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

A. I fell in with an outlaw band, their names were known quite well
   How many times we robbed and plundered, I could never tell
   I learned that much and more the night I heard my Master's call

B. 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

C. 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

A. 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 it threw me to the ground

B. I felt the end was near, that death would be the price
   When another 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

C. My wicked past 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 is his to take or give

A. 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. 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