Song Description
A song about hypocrisy, murder and retribution and how dangerous it can be to trust authority figures.
| Song Length |
3:32 |
Genre |
Country - Americana, Country - Traditional |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Gloomy, Troubled |
Subject |
Murder, Rape, Suspicion |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1800 - 1899 |
Lyrics
THE PREACHER AND BECKY SCHAEFER
The preacher came into the town, the good book in his hands
He shouted out the good lord's word, the congregation gathered round
He said come listen sinners, the word is come this day
If you desire salvation, better listen to what I say
I'll take you to the river
I'll wash your sins away
Satan's living in this town
The good lord's on his way
Now the preacher spoke on Sundays, fire and brimstone and much more
And other days were given, to visiting the poor
Little Becky Schaefer was the youngest of the clan
Her daddy fed the family by working on the land
Now the preacher said to Becky, you're a mighty pretty thing
One day you might be tempted, to let the devil in
I'll take you to the river
I'll wash your sins away
Satan's living in this town
The good lord's on his way
When Becky wasn't seen that day, everybody came to search
They found poor Becky's body, laying by the church
The people found the preacher kneeling on the floor
He cried may god forgive me as they dragged him out the door
They took him to the river
They washed his sins away
Satan's living in this town
The good lord's on his way
They took him to the river
They washed his sins away
Satan's living in this town
They made that preacher pay