The Ballad Of Arlis Richards

Arlis Richards was a man
Who lived among the blacks
He was a cross tie walker
With guitar on his back

Barely educated
Couldn't write his name
But when he played his guitar
Everybody sang

I have been set free
Pain and misery
No longer follow me
I know Jesus

Just outside of Memphis
Back in '52
Arlis was a ramblin'
The way that he would do

Playing on his guitar
Sitting in the shade
People came to listen
To the music that he made

I have been set free
Pain and misery
No longer follow me
I know Jesus

Some folks walked on by
They saw the color of his skin
Others stayed and cried
They saw the man within

When his song was over
Arlis went his way
But some folks say revival
Started that day

I have been set free
Pain and misery
No longer follow me
I know Jesus
One more time, gonna sing this song

I have been set free
Pain and misery
No longer follow me
I know Jesus
He knows me