Steal Away

(album: Clinging To A Saving Hand / Steal Away - 1973)

Steal away steal away steal away to Jesus
Steal away steal away home I ain't got long to stay here

I was walking in Savannah passed the church decayed and dimmed
When there slowly through the window came a plaintive funeral hymn
And a sympathy awakened and a wonder quickly grew
Till I found myself environed in a little negro pew
Out at front a young couple sat in sorrow and nearly wild
On the altar was a coffin and in the coffin was a child
Rows of sad old negro preacher at a little wooden desk
With a manner grandly offered in the countless grotesque
And he said now don't be weeping for this pretty bit of clay
For the little boy who lived there why he done up and run away
But he is doing very finly and he appreaciated your love
But he's sure enough father want him in the large house up above
Now he didn't give you that baby no not by a hundred thousand miles
He just thought you need some sunshine and he lend it to you for awhile
And he let you love and keep till your hearts was bigger grown
And these silver tears you've shed why they're just interest on the lawn
So my poor dejected mourners let your hearts with Jesus rest
And don't go criticize no one that knows the best
He give us many comforts and he has the right to take away
To the Lord be praised in glory now and ever let us pray

My Lord calls me he calls me by the thunder the trumpet sounds within my soul
I ain't got long to stay here