Down South Camp Meetin' Lyrics - Manhattan Transfer

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 get 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 

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 'cause I been taken through it 

Now the spirit's 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 

Get 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 

Jus' 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' its feet 

An' everybody's movin' outta their seat 

They really gonna get this meetin' on 

An' praise the Lord until the dawn 

Hear that preacher spread the word 

(Hear that Preacher) 

'Cause it's 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 get 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 get 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) 

Get on as fast as you can 

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 get 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) 

Get on as fast as you can 

You've heard the sermon sublime 

Down south camp meetin' time