There were ninety and nine
That safely lay in the shelter of the fold
But one went out on the hills away
Far off from the gates of gold
Way out on the mountains wild and bare
Away from the tender shepherd's care
Away from the tender shepherd's care
Now Lord thou hast here the ninety and nine
Is that not enough for thee
But the shepherd made answer "This of mine
Has wandered away from me
Although the road be rough and steep
I go to the desert to find my sheep
I go to the desert to find my sheep"
Now none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep was the waters crossed
How dark was that night that the Lord passed through
To save His sheep that was lost
Out in the desert he heard its cry
Sick and helpless and ready to die
Sick and helpless and ready to die
And the angels echoed around the throne
Rejoice for the Lord brings back his own
Rejoice for the Lord brings back his own