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 Savannah passed the church decayed and dimed

When there's slowly through the window came a plaintive funeral hymn

And a sympathy awakened while a wonder quickly grew

Till I found myself seat in a little negro pew.



Out at front a young couple sat in sorrow nearly wild

Cause on the altar was a coffin and in the coffin was their child

Row of sad old negro preacher at his little wooden desk

With a manner grandly upward with the countless grotesque.



And he said now don't be weepin' for this pretty bit of clay

For the little boy who lived there he done gone and run away

And he was doin' very finly and he appreaciated your love

But it's sure enough father want him in the large house up above.



Now he didn't give you that baby by a hundred thousand miles

He just think you need some sunshine and he lend it for awhile

And he let you keep and love it till your hearts were bigger grown

And these silver tears you have shed that's just interest on the loan.



So my poor dejected mourners let your hearts with Jesus rest

And don't go criticize no one the one that knows the best

He sent us many comforts he's ever right to take away

So to the Lord be praised in glory now and ever let us pray.



(I ain't got long to stay here...)