Five convicts broke free from the Braden prison yard

Five men armed and dangerous, five hearts stony hard.

They ran down to the bottom where the Hatchie runs black

Where many have fled but few have come back



Louise and her friend Renzie were talking on the phone

All about the fugitives desperate on the run

She just had time to whisper, "Renzie, call the police"

When he stepped up with his shotgun, saying, "Everybody freeze."



CHORUS:

She said, "Sit down, young man, I don't want no violence here

I can see your body's weary and your soul laden with care

I'll cook you up some breakfast, you put that gun away.

Now sit down, young man, and pray."



He said, "Lady, I'm so hungry, I ain't eaten for three days"

She took out her skillet, fixed him bacon, bread, and eggs.

She talked about the bible, eyes crinkled when she smiled

He set down that shotgun and obeyed her like a child



She said, "Where is your mother?" He said, "I wish I knew."

She said, "I know your mother is praying for you.

I'm seventy-three years old, raised two boys of my own

And I know we must face judgment when we have done wrong."



CHORUS



He heard the cruiser coming, the cops were at the door

He looked out the window, said, "They'll kill me now for sure."

She said, "Finish up your breakfast, I'll let them do no harm."

He left the shotgun on the sofa and surrendered unarmed.



Now some folks might have meekly done whatever he had said

And some folks might have jumped him and probably turned up dead

You can tell it to your daughters and teach it to your sons

That scrambled eggs and prayers are stronger than guns.



CHORUS