Have Mercy On the Criminal

Have you heard the dogs at night

Somewhere on the hill?

Chasing some poor criminal

And I guess they're out to kill

Oh, there must be shackles on his feet

And mother in his eyes

Stumbling through the devil dark

With a hound pack in full cry

Have mercy on the criminal

Who is running from the law

Are you blind to the winds of change?

Don't you hear him anymore?

Praying Lord you gotta help me!

I ain't never gonna sin again

Just take these chains from around my legs

Sweet Jesus, I'll be Your friend

Now have you ever seen the white teeth gleam

While you lie on a cold, cold, damp ground?

You're taking in the face of a rifle butt

While the wardens hold you down

And you never seen a friend in years

Oh, it turns your heart to stone

You jump the walls, and the dogs run free

And the grave's gonna be your home

Oh, have mercy on the criminal

Who is running from the law

Are you blind to the winds of change?

Don't you hear him anymore?

Praying Lord you gotta help me

I ain't never gonna sin again

Just take these chains from around my legs, ooh

Sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend

Oh, have mercy on the criminal

Who is running from the law

Are you blind to the winds of change?

Don't you hear him anymore?

Praying Lord you gotta help me

I ain't never gonna sin again

Just take these chains from around my legs

Sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend