I am an old sinner; and if God had designed mercy for me, he would have called me home to himself before now.

I am more weary of life, I think, than ever I was.

I fear God never showed mercy to one so vile as I.

I bless God for this retirement: I never was more thankful for any thing than I have been of late for the necessity I am under of self-denial in many respects.

They may call me a sinner, but I am at peace with myself.

I picked all the tunes before I went to Memphis, and the band was all set. Willie Mitchell is an arranger like I am, and he let me do what I had to do.