by Carl Terrell, Kentucky Horseshoe Pitchers Association

Lord, as I lay me down to sleep tonight

I don’t know what to say.

I have been throwing horseshoes all year long

Just waiting for this day.

Why I even drove a thousand miles

And paid my entre free,

And collected all the lucky pieces I could find

I need lots of luck you see.

Why, Lord, I have more horseshoes on my wall

Than a blacksmith storage room.

I have more rabbits’ feet in my house

Than Crockett or Daniel Boone.

I have picked so many four-leaf clovers

My fingers have turned sore.

But nothing I do brings me any luck.

I’m still lousy as before.

It seems I can’t trust lucky pieces anymore

I hope I can count on You.

And I hope my prayer is not too late,

I need a miracle or two.

I know that’s asking quite a lot

Because I’m really not that good,

And I’m a long way from an angel

I haven’t done all the things I should.

I know not what tomorrow may bring

But it’s time to pay my due.

You know I have waited all year long.

My waiting is almost through.

Lord, I don’t have much money,

But I still have my soul.

That’s why I’m throwing horseshoes,

Because I can’t play golf or bowl.

And tomorrow before I take my place

And look around my station.

I see people of every color and race

And people of other nations.

There are people of every sex and age

From young to very old.

Makes me proud to be a part of

A tradition that all can hold.

So tomorrow as I prepare to throw

And gladly take my turn,

If I bounce off or miss the stake

I will know it’s all in fun.

And Lord if by chance I throw a double

I will not lose control,

For I know what’s coming up next

I will miss six in a row.

Well, Lord, I guess that’s all I can ask.

Just help me not to whine.

Now that you have done your part,

Just help me to do mine.

Just help me to do my very best,

And do good in my class.

And do it with the proper attitude

If I take first or last.