The Outlaw's Prayer Lyrics - 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 

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" 

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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 

Photos 

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