A Rebel Like Me

Provided by: June Marshall (Portadown) and Gordon Steel (Glasgow)
Source: “Sacred Scotch Solos" by Alexander Halliday
Date: Circa 1920?
Tune: Memory Dear
............

Sometimes by mysel’, when I’m sittin’ and thinkin’
Sweet scenes o’ my young days come back to me noo
As we sat roun’ the fire wi’ the auld folks so happy
While they read the sweet story what Jesus cam’ through
Hoo He left His bricht mansion and cam’ here a stranger
Nae hoose, ha’ nor hame in this warl’ had He
An’ the welcome they gied Him was naething but sorrow
Yet His love gied His life for a rebel like me

Chorus:
A rebel like me, aye, a rebel like me
Oh, it’s a wonder hoo Jesus loved me

These scenes passed awa’ as the years trintled owre me
When the warl’ wi’ its danglin’ joys cam’ tae my view
Hoo eager I taen them as freens to my bosom
But, oh! They were thorns that maist stang me thro’;
Yet onward I ran, aye seekin’ for pleasure
Till far frae my hame mysel’ I did see
Sae when Jesus met me a heart-broken sinner
He taen aff my burden an’ let me gang free

I looked in His face, oh, what love there and pity
As the prints o’ the nails in His hands I did see
“Oh!” said I, “Lord, can ye really forgi’e me –
Did God’s love extend tae a rebel like me”
Wi’ His strong, lovin’ arms He fondly embraced me
Saying, “Son, be of good cheer, I forgi’e ye for a’”
Gang an’ tell tae the warl’ I’m waitin’ tae welcome
A’ the prodigal bairns that are noo far awa”.

Since syne wi’ the Lord I’ve been leevin’ quite happy –
That peace keeps my heart noo that Jesus ga’ed me
Tho’ temptations at times may come tae ensnare me
Yet His grace is aye plenty tae keep me quite free
Sae, freens, are ye ready tae gang an’ meet Jesus,
For sune death may step in an’ drive us awa’
But He’s promised tae guide the bluid-washed thro’ the valley
Awa’ tae the mansions prepared for us a’.