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

One night [bad word] cattle, a thousand head or so
And started them out on the trail that leads to Mexico
But 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 [bad word] not twenty yards from me
And left there was a giant cross where once there was a tree
And this time I knew I heard a voice, a voice so sweet and strange
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 [bad word] The cattle they stampeded, [bad word] 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, I thought of wasted years
When another bolt of lightning killed a hundred head of steers
And the [bad word] on by me and I was left to live
The Master had a reason, life is his to take or give

miracle performed that night, I wasn't meant to die
The dead ones formed a barricade least six or seven high
And right behind it there was I, afraid but safe and sound
I cried and begged for mercy kneeling there upon the ground

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 Saviour called my name