When He Gathers up the Strays
Red Steagall's Journey: Finding Redemption in 'When He Gathers up the Strays'
Lyrics
WHEN HE GATHERS UP THE STRAYS
Expressing anticipation or reflection on the moment when God gathers those who may have strayed.
I've ranged the western grasslands
Describing personal experiences of exploring the western grasslands.
From the mountains to the sea
Emphasizing the extensive journey from mountains to the sea.
Where I rode with men, cowboy to the core.
Recalling the speaker's cowboy lifestyle and deep connection with fellow cowboys.
I've done my share of sinnin'
Acknowledging past wrongdoings and youthful indiscretions.
In my wild and younger days
Reflecting on a wild and adventurous youth.
I'm payin' now to even up the score.
Conveying a sense of accountability and retribution for past actions.
I treasure each new morning
Expressing gratitude for each new day and the life chosen by a higher power.
And the life he chose for me
Appreciating the chosen path and looking forward to the future with hope.
I look forward to the joy tomorrow brings.
Anxiously anticipating the joys that tomorrow will bring.
I re-live every memory
Nostalgically revisiting memories of cowboys from the speaker's past.
Of the cowboys that I've known
Emphasizing the significance of horses and spring roundups in these memories.
The horses and the roundups in the spring.
Recalling and cherishing the camaraderie and experiences of cowboy life.
CHORUS:
Indicating a recurring chorus or refrain.
I've got a new compadre now
Introducing a new companion in the speaker's life.
Who's always by my side
Highlighting the constant support and presence of this new companion.
He lifts me up, He changed my sinful ways.
Attributing positive change and redemption to the influence of the new companion.
I have a new direction
Expressing a newfound purpose or orientation in life.
As I face my twilight days
Contemplating the approach of old age and the desire for a meaningful conclusion.
I long to be in the Home Corral
Expressing a deep longing to be in a metaphorical "Home Corral" with God.
When He gathers up the strays.
Reiterating the anticipation of being gathered up by God in the future.
Oh, we were wild and wooly
Recalling past experiences of wild and unrestrained behavior in town.
When we finally got to town
Describing the conclusion of branding activities in the spring.
And finished with the brandin' in the spring.
Reflecting on the passage of time and leaving those days in the past.
But those days are far behind me
Expressing contentment found in warm and friendly memories.
And I find contentment now
Highlighting a shift in focus from past wildness to present contentment.
In the warm and friendly feelings memories bring.
Emphasizing blessings and gratitude for the chosen life path.
I'm blessed and I am grateful
Expressing completion of tasks that set the speaker apart from others.
For the life He chose for me
Continuing gratitude for the chosen life path.
I've finished things that most men never start.
Acknowledging a past sense of emptiness or something missing.
There was always something missing
Referring to an unexplainable void until finding love and faith in Jesus.
That I never could explain
Repeating the chorus to reinforce the significance of the new companion.
Until the love of Jesus filled my heart.
Reiterating the transformative power of Jesus' love in filling the speaker's heart.
CHORUS
Repeating the chorus to underscore the ongoing impact of the new companion.
I've got a new compadre now
Reintroducing the presence and support of the new companion.
Who's always by my side
Emphasizing the constant uplifting influence of the new companion.
He lifts me up, He changed my sinful ways.
Reaffirming the positive changes and redemption brought about by the new companion.
I have a new direction
Restating a newfound sense of purpose or direction in life.
As I face my twilight days
Contemplating the approach of old age and the desire for a meaningful conclusion.
I long to be in the Home Corral
Expressing a deep longing to be in a metaphorical "Home Corral" with God.
When He gathers up the stray
Reiterating the anticipation of being gathered up by God in the future.
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