Steal Away

(Eddie Brackett)



Steal away, steal away

Steal away to Jesus

Steal away, steal away

Home I ain't got long to stay here.



I was walkin' in Savanah

Past a church decayed and dimmed

When there slowly through the window

Came a plaintive funeral hymn.



And a sympathy awakened

And a wonder quickly grew

'Til I found myself enstrewed

In a little negro pew.



Our in front a young couple sat

In sorrow near the wild

On the altar was a coffin

In the coffin was a child.



Rose a sad old negro preacher

At a wooden desk

With a manly grandly offer

And of countless protest.

And he said:



Now don't you be a-weepin'

For this pretty little play

For a little boy who lived there

Why he had up and ran away.



But he's doing very fine

And he appreciates your love

But he's sure not farther wanted

In that large house up above.



Now, He didn't give you that baby

No, not by a hundred thousand miles

He just thought you needed some sunshine

And he lended him to ya for awhile.



And He let ya love and keep him

'Til your hearts were big and grown

And these silver tears that your sheddin'

Why they're just interest on the loan.



So, my poor dejected mourners

Let your hearts with Jesus rest

And don't go criticisin'

The one that knows the best.



He gives 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...