Trouble In The Amen Corner Lyrics - Porter Wagoner

It was a stylish congregation you could see they'd been around 

And they had the biggest pipe organ of any church in town 

But over in the Amen Corner of that church sat Brother Ira 

And he insisted every Sunday on singing in the choir 

His voice was cracked and broken age had touched his vocal chords 

And nearly every Sunday he'd get behind and miss the words 

Well at last the storm cloud burst and the church was told in vine 

That Brother Ira must stop his singing or the choir was gonna resign 

So the pastor appointed a committee I think it was three or four 

And they got their big fine car and drove up to Ira's door 

They found the choir's great trouble sittin' in an old arm chair 

And the summer's golden sunbeams lay upon his snow white hair 

Said York we're here dear Brother with the best res approbation 

To discuss a little matter that affects the congregation 

Now it was our understanding when we bargained for the chair 

That they were to relieve us that is they'd do the singin' for us 

Now we don't want no singin' except what we've bought 

The newest tunes are all the rage the old ones stand for nought 

And so we have decided are you listenin' Brother Ira 

You'll have to stop your singin' it's messin' up our choir 

The old man raised his head a sign that he did hear 

And on his cheek the three men caught the glitter of a tear 

His feeble hands pushed back the locks as white as silky snow 

And he answered the committee in a voice both soft and low 

I've sung the songs of David nearly eighty years said he 

They've been my staff and comfort all along life's dreary way 

I'm sorry if I disturbed the choir I guess I'm doin' wrong 

But when my heart is filled with praise I can't hold back a song 

I wonder if beyond the tide that's breaking at my feet 

In that far off heavenly temple where my Master I shall meet 

Yes I wonder if when I try to sing the songs of God up higher 

I wonder if they'll kick me out up there for singin' in Heaven's choir 

A silence filled the little room the old man bowed his head 

The committee went on back to town but Brother Ira was dead 

Oh the choir missed him for a while but he was soon forgot 

And a few church goers watched the door but the old man entered not 

Far away his voice is sweet and he sings his heart's desire 

Where there are no church committees and no fashionable choirs