The Outlaws Prayer Songtext
von 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 downtown and 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 sure was a beautiful sound
So I just walked up the steps and opened the door and started to go inside and sit down
But before I could, a young man walked over to me
And said, "Excuse me, sir, but I can't let you in with that big black hat
Those jeans, that beard and long hair"

So I just left, went back outside
Sat down on that curb
And 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
And 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 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 and sandals on his feet and a long beard on his face
You know, Lord, when You come back to get Your children
And 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 his bank account


So if this is what religion is
A big car and a suit and 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 and a beard?
Believe, You had long hair too

Well, this is Paycheck, signing off
I′ll be seein′ you, Lord
I hope