The Ballad Of Arlis Richards

Arlis Richards was a man who lived among the blacks

He was a crosstie walker with guitar on his backbarely educated couldn't write his name

but when he played his guitar this is what he sang

CHORUS:

I have been set freepain and misery no longer follow meI know Jesus!

Just outside of Memphis back in 52Arlis 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

BRIDGESome 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 overArlis went his way

But some folks say revivalstarted that day