The Outlaw's Prayer - Johnny Paycheck

You know I worked the Big Packet show in Fort Worth

Saturday night

We had all day Sunday to rest and relax

Before I caught another flight

So I decided to walk down town an' get myself a little fresh air

Before long

I found myself in front of a big church

On the corner of the square

Boy I could hear that singin' way out in the street

Sure was a beautiful sound

So I just walked up the steps an' opened the door

An' started to go inside an' sit down

But before I could

A young man walked over to me an said Excuse me Sir

But I can't let you in with that big black hat

Those jeans that beard an' long hair

So I just left went back outside

Sat down on that kerbing

An I thought to myself

That's the house of the Lord

That guy's got the hell of a nerve

Tellin' me I can't worship anywhere I please

So right there in front of that Church

I just knelt down on my knees

I said Lord I know I don't look like much

But I didn't think you'd mind

I just wanted to be with your people

Lord it's been a long time

A while ago a saw a wino over there in the alley

All bent over in tears

An' I thought how one stained glass window

From this Church

Would feed his family for years

Then there's those fine cars parked outside

Too many for me to count

Made me think how people walked for days

To hear your sermon on the mount

Then there's those fine ladies in the choir

Lord singin' like they really love it

Hell last night

They were dancin' on the front row of my show

Drinkin' beer screamin

'Sing Shove It '

You know

Even John the Baptist wouldn't be welcome in this place

With his coat made of Camel hair an' sandals on his feet

An' a long beard on his face

You know Lord

When you come back to get your children

An' take 'em beyond the clouds

To live forever in Heaven with you

Well I'd sure hate to be in this crowd

You know Lord

I'm not perfect

Some even call me no count

But I'll tell you

I believe a man is judged by what's in his heart

Not what's in his bank account

So if this is what religion is

A big car a suit an' a tie

Then I might as well forget it Lord

'Cause I can't qualify

Oh by the way Lord

Right before they kicked me out

Didn't I see a picture of you

With sandals an' a beard

Believe you had long hair too

Well this is Paycheck signing off

I'll be seein' you Lord I hope