Chorus
I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet,
Don't trouble 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 his fine 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:
2. The master rose up in anger, called his servants by name, said:
"Go into the town, fetch the blind and the lame,
Fetch the peasant and the pauper for this I have willed,
My banquet must be crowded, and my table must be filled.
3. When all the poor had a**embled, there was still room to spare,
So the master demanded: "Go search ev'ry where,
To the highways and byways and force them to come in.
My table must be filled before the banquet can begin.
4. Now God has written a lesson for the rest of mankind;
If we're slow in responding, He may leave us behind.
He's preparing a banquet for that great and glorious day.
When the Lord and Master calls us, be certain not to say: