Michael Martin Murphey Master's Call song lyrics

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