Have Mercy on the Criminal

[Verse 1]
Have you heard the dogs at night
Somewhere on the hill?
Chasing some poor criminal
And I guess they're out to kill
Oh, there must be shackles on his feet
And mother in his eyes
Stumbling through the devil-dark
With the hound pack in full cry

[Chorus]
Have mercy on the criminal
Who is running from the law
Are you blind to the winds of change?
Don't you hear him any more?
Praying, "Lord, you gotta help me
I am never gonna sin again
Just take these chains from around my legs
Sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend"

[Verse 2]
Now have you ever seen the white teeth gleam
While you lie on a cold damp ground?
You're taking in the face of a rifle butt
While the wardens hold you down
And you've never seen a friend in years
Oh, it turns your heart to stone
You jump the walls and the dogs run free
And the grave's gonna be your home

[Chorus]
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 any more?
Praying, "Lord, you gotta help me
I am never gonna sin again
Just take these chains from around my legs
Ooh, sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend"

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
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 any more?
Praying, "Lord, you gotta help me
I am never gonna sin again
Just take these chains from around my legs
Sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend"