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
