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Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Elton John
Vocals
Dee Murray
Bass Guitar
Davey Johnstone
Electric Guitar
Nigel Olsson
Drums
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Elton John
Songwriter
Bernie Taupin
Songwriter
Paul Buckmaster
Orchestrator
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Gus Dudgeon
Producer
Ken Scott
Engineer
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Have you heard the dogs at night
Somewhere on the hill?
Chasing some poor criminal
And I guess they're out to kill
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
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?
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 3]
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
[Chorus]
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
[Chorus]
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
Written by: Bernie Taupin, Elton John