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