Manhattan Transfer – Down South Camp Meetin' lyrics

Gather here, ____(?)____ far and near
(Get the meetin’ on)
Saints and sinners, come one, come all
(Have a little revival)
Losers, winners, answer my call
‘Cause right now the tent's up
(Really it is)
The word's out
(Truly it is)
And has been since the dawn
(Hear me tell ya)
The call's out
(Really it is)
An' we're 'bout
(Tendin' to biz)
To get this meetin' on, hear me tellin' you
Brothers n' sisters who want to repent – that's right
You'll find what you been lookin' for
Right here in this tent

Lend an ear and you'll see
(Hear that sister testify)
‘Cause when it comes to needin' savin'
Ain't nobody knows it better than me
(What she’s sayin’ ain’t no lie)
I was so low that I know
That only a miracle like this
Is the only way to heavenly bliss
(Over, and over, and over again)
It's really the truth, lordy, I know it
I know it 'cause I been taken through it
(She tells the story of how she conquered sin)
Now the spirit’s in me and allowed the Lord
To win me, I can testify to it
Sweet sweet the angel's song
(No one listening’s ever bored)
Sweet the feelin' I been searchin' for
For ever so long
(Hearin’ how she found her lord)
I never again imagine livin' life
Like I was livin' when I lived wrong

Get ready
(Swing)
Here they come, the choir's all set
Be steady
(Pray)
See the people fillin' them pews
Be willin'
(All)
To announce without a regret
So thrillin' !
(Day)
Tell the world the wonderful news

Folks are troopin' in from farther 'n' near
For news that they can hardly wait to hear
They're nearly starved cause they're waitin' for
Food for the soul, yeah
Starved cause they're waitin' for
What will not grow old
Preacher's openin' up the book
He’s gonna pause awhile an' take a look
And then he'll start tellin' everyone
Just how to do, yes
Start tellin’ everyone
Just what’s true, yes
Sister Emmy Lou done gone to shoutin' an' jumpin'
‘Cause she feels the spirit
The congregation's stompin' its feet
An' everybody's movin' outta their seat
They really gonna get this meetin' on
An' praise the Lord until the dawn, yeah

Hear that preacher spread the word
(Hear that preacher)
‘Cause it's the greatest word
(He’s our teacher)
You've ever heard
When he says
"I'm callin' sinners right now” you hear
“I'm callin' sinners right to me
When ol' Satan grabs your soul
(When he grabs you)
It takes the Lord's true word to break his hold
(Trouble nabs you)
So I say you got to listen mostly to me
You got to listen closely
Don't let the devil catch ya nappin'
Gotta keep the vigil every minute
Or the devil surely gonna gitcha
Watch your step 'n' how you act
(Watch what you do)
Mister Scratch is here, and that's a fact
(He wants you too)
If anyone can stop him, I can
That's why I'm the preacher man"
We hear the word
We hear your voice
We know there really isn't any other choice

Head for heaven today
(We're on the gospel train)
We can show you the way
(Relieve all strain)
Leave your cares and your woes
(Yes!)
Heaven knows
(Yes!)
Y’ dodge that devil in his fine fancy clothes
(Yes!)
Come get aboard
(We still got space)
Hear the word of the Lord
(We saved your place)
Save your soul while ya can
(Yes!)
Sinner man
(Yes!)
Git on as fast as you can
[REPEAT]
You've heard the sermon sublime
Down south camp meetin' time!