The Ballad Of Arlis Richards

Big Tent Revival

Arlis Richards was a man

Who lived among the blacks

Was a cross town walker

With a guitar on his back

Barley educated

Couldn't write his name

When he played his guitar

Everybody sang



(chorus)

I have been set free

Pain and mysery

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



(chorus)



Some folks walked on by

When they saw the color of his skin

Others stayed and cried

When they saw the man within



When his song was over

Arlis went his way

Some folks say revival

Started that day



(chorus)(2x)



..And he knows me