The Manhattan Transfer - Down South Camp Meetin Lyrics

(Music by Fletcher Henderson & Irving Mills; Lyric by Jon Hendricks)

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)
An' has been since the dawn
(Hear me tell ya)
The call's out
(Really it is)
An' we're 'bout
(Tendin' t'biz)
To git this meetin' on - Hear me tellin' you
Brothers n' sisters who want to repent
(That's right!)
You'll find what you've been lookin' for right here in the tent

Cheryl's solo:
Lend an ear an' you'll see
"Cause when it comes t' needin' savin' ain' nobody
knows it better than me
I was so low that I know that only a miracle like this is
the only way t' heavenly bliss

It's really the truth, Lawdy, I know it
I know it 'cuz I been taken through it
Now the spirits in me an' allowed the Lord
t'win me, I can testify to it

Sweet, sweet the angel's song
Sweet the feelin' I been searchin' for
for ever so long
I never again imagine livin' life
like I was livin' when I lived wrong

Git ready
(Sing)
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
It's thrillin'!
(Day)
Tell the world the wonderful news

Folks are troopin' in from far 'n near
f' 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
'n then he'll start tellin' everyone
'jes how t' do, yeah

Start tellin' everyone jus' what's true, yeah

Sister Emmy Lou done gone t' shoutin'
an jumpin' 'cause she feels the spirit
the congregation's stompin' it's 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 its the greatest word you ever heard
He's our teacher
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 y' nappin'
Gotta' keep the vigil every minute
or the devil surely git you

"Watch your step 'n how you act
Watch what you do
Mister Scratch is here, an' 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 f'heaven t'day
(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 git aboard
(We still got space)
Hear the word of the Lord
(We saved your place)
Save your soul while y'can
(Yes!)
Sinner man
(Yes!)
Git on as fast as you can

[Repeat]

You've heard the sermon sublime
Down South Camp Meetin' time!