The lost sheep

Out on the rugged hills where the wild winds blow
A shepherd counted his flock in the evening glow
Ninety-nine safe in the fold, huddled warm and near
But one little lamb was gone, lost without fear
She wandered too far chasin' a greener patch of grass
Slipped through the rocks and thorns, now hours had passed
The night crept in cold, shadows stretchin' long
The shepherd's heart broke with a worried song

He looked to the ninety-nine, safe under his care
But love for the one pulled him out there
No rest, no waitin', he set out alone
Through valleys of darkness, callin' her home

Oh, the lost sheep, wanderin' far from the light!
(Oh lost sheep, hear the call tonight!)
The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine behind
Searches the mountains, the valleys he climbs
Through storm and through thorn, he won't turn away
Till he finds his beloved at the end of the day!
Rejoice, oh rejoice when the lost one is found
Heaven sings louder for the one comin' 'round!

He climbed the steep ridges, thorns tearin' his skin
Called out her name through the howlin' wind
Rivers rushed wild, cliffs jagged and steep
But his love was stronger, no promise too deep
Hours turned to agony, hope fadin' thin
Yet he pressed on forward, determined to win
Then in a ravine, bruised and tremblin' low
There lay the lost lamb, too weary to go

He knelt down gentle, lifted her high
Placed her on his shoulders, tears in his eye
No scoldin', no anger, just joy overflowin' wide
The shepherd carried her home, side by side

Oh, the lost sheep, now safe in his arms!
(Oh lost sheep, safe from all harms!)
He left the ninety-nine to bring back the one
Through danger and darkness till the search was done
Rejoice with me, friends, gather 'round the fire
The one that was lost is back in the choir!
Heaven throws a party, angels dance and sing
For the sinner who's found, what joy that brings!

What man among you wouldn't do the same?
Leave the safe ones to rescue the name?
God's heart is the shepherd's, relentless and true
He seeks every lost one, includin' me and you
No soul too far gone, no path too steep
His love pursues forever, His promise to keep

Oh, the lost sheep, carried home at last!
(Oh lost sheep, joy from the past!)
The shepherd rejoices more than words can say
Over one repentant soul found today
Rejoice, oh rejoice, let the heavens ring
For the grace of the Shepherd, our Savior, our King!
From the hills to the throne, the story's retold
One lost sheep saved makes the heart overflow!

Yeah, the lost sheep's home, safe in the fold
The Shepherd's love never grows old
Rejoice, rejoice
Yee-haw, amen