The Outlaw's Prayer (Paycheck Johnny)

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 downtown 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 It wure 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 curb An' I thought to myself, that's the house of the Lord That guy's got a 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, I 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 mountain 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 and 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 Ya Well, I'd sure hate to be in this crowd You know, Lord, I'm not perfect Some even call me ?No Account' But I'll tell You, I believe a man is judged By what's in his heart, not his bank account So if this is what religion is A big car and 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