When jacob was born he took a long time comin'
Took the ankle of his older brother
They were twins, but jake was later; esau was his father's favorite
'cause he spent his time as a hunter
And every single time, jacob had to wait in line
He started then to strive to get his way
He was just a little boy; he was mama's pride and joy
He loved to work with mother all day
But now, now, jacob's name is israel - what'd you say?
Jacob's name is israel - by the way, i said
Jacob's name is israel - 'cause he strived
Jacob's name is israel - the father of the tribes - his own 12
You could read in genesis how esau burst into the kitchen
And said, "jacob, give me some stuff to swallow!"
Jacob said, "sell me your birthright!" esau said, "what is it worth right now,
I'm dyin' of hunger; my stomach's hollow!"
And so esau sold his rights; jacob later set his sights
Upon the blessing isaac would pray
He pretended he was esau, and his father couldn't see so
Jacob stole the blessing and ran away
But now, now, jacob's name is israel - what'd you say?
Jacob's name is israel - by the way, i said
Jacob's name is israel - 'cause he strived
Jacob's name is israel - the father of the tribes - his own 12
After 20 years with laban, well, the lord spoke to jacob:
"take your family with you back to canaan."
Jacob knew he'd meet his brother as he travelled through the desert
He was scared, and i wouldn't blame him
And in the night he fought with a man we think was god
He wrestled with him to the break of day
He took jacob's hip and knocked it out of joint right at the socket
He blessed him, and he gave him this name
But now, now, jacob's name is israel - what'd you say?
Jacob's name is israel - by the way, i said
Jacob's name is israel - 'cause he strived
Jacob's name is israel - the father of the tribes