Have Mercy On The Criminal

Have you heard the dogs at night
Somewhere on the hill?
Chasing a poor criminal
And you know they're out to kill

And there must be shackles on his feet
Murder in his eyes
Stumbling through the devil-dark
With the 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?

Screaming, "Lord, you got to help me
I am never gonna sin again
So take these chains from around my legs
Sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend"

Have you ever seen the white teeth gleam
As you lie on a cold damp ground?
Taking in the face from a rifle butt
As the wardens hold you down

And you've never seen a friend in years
Turns your heart to stone
You jump the wall and the dogs run free
And the grave's gonna be your home

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?

Screaming, "Lord, you got to help me
I am never gonna sin again
So take these chains from around my legs
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?

Screaming, "Lord, you got to help me
I am never gonna sin again
So take these chains from around my legs
Sweet Jesus, I'll be...
your friend"