Lyrics of
The Ballad of Arlis Richards

Arlis Richards was a man who lived among the blacks
He was a crosstie walker with guitar on his back
barely educated couldn't write his name
but when he played his guitar this is what he sang
I have been set free pain and misery no longer follow me I know Jesus!
Just outside of Memphis back in 52
Arlis 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
I have been set free pain and misery no longer follow me I know Jesus!
BRIDGE UNKNOWN CAN WORK WITH OTHERS
Some 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 over Arlis went his way
But some folks say revival started that day
I have been set free pain and misery no longer follow me I know Jesus!