Bein' raised in church all my life
many old saints I remember so well
would testify how God kept 'em from so much strife
all had rich and amazing stories to tell

Sisters Byrd, Loch, Colburn and Effie too
praised God in dance for each trial they'd been through
the service would start with an old spiritual number
they'd be shoutin' while most of the men slumbered

The kids bedded down under the pew
through service long, watching dancing feet
lots of old happy songs, and that not a few
thankin' God for rainment, shelter, food to eat

Usually few in number, all had little
but share they would, and never belittle
happy for one another, each sister and brother
there every service, in all kinds of weather

Just recently at a service I attended
realized all the old grannies that I missed
now in glory up there, lives down here ended
they, now dancing 'round the throne, eternal bliss

So who's the example of today
shouting, dancing, praising with hair of gray
why, it's me and all those my age
we, the shouters of today are the new gauge!

A teachin' the youngn's the right way to live
how to God every moment of our lives freely give
preachin' and teachin' the message once given
for it's the only thing that will guide you heaven

Thanking Him for each trial and blessing
for waking us, and mercies new each morning
shoutin and praising Him all the day long
rememberin' all the old saints, and their favorite song