I Cannot Come

   Chorus:
I cannot come to the banquet, don't bother me now
I have married a wife, I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum.
Pray hold me excused I cannot come.

1) A certain man held a feast on the finest estate in town
He laid a festive table and he wore a wedding gown.
He sent invitations to his neighbors far and wide,
But when the meal was ready, each of them replied:
I cannot come
     Chorus:

2) The master rose up in anger, called the servants by name
He said go into town fetch the blind and the lame
Fetch the peasant and the pauper, for this I willed
The tables must be crowded and the banquet must be filled.
I cannot come, 
     Chorus:

3) Now when the poor had assembled there was still room to spare
He said go out of town and search everywhere
Search the highways and the byways and force them to come in,
My tables must be filled before the banquet can begin.
I cannot come, 
     Chorus:

4) Now God has written a lesson for the rest of mankind.
If we're slow in responding, we may be left behind.
He's preparing a banquet for that great and glorious day
When the Lord and master asks us be certain not to say;
I cannot come, 
     Chorus: