The Baptism of Jesse Taylor
George Jones · In a Gospel Way [1973]
(Dallas Frazier - Sanger D. Shafer)
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord.
Among the local taverns there'll be a slack in business
Cause Jesse's drinking came before the groceries and the rent
Among the local women there'll be a slack in cheatin'
'Cause Jesse won't be steppin' out again.
The scars on Jesse's knuckles were more than just respected
The county courthouse records tell all there is to tell
The pockets of the gamblers will soon miss Jesse's money
And the black eye of the law will soon be well.
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord.
--- Instrumental ---
From now old Nancy Taylor can proudly speak to neighbors
And tell them how much Jesse hooked up with little Jim
Now Jimmy's got a daddy and Jesse's got a family
And Franklin County's got a lot more man.
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord.
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah ...
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord.
Among the local taverns there'll be a slack in business
Cause Jesse's drinking came before the groceries and the rent
Among the local women there'll be a slack in cheatin'
'Cause Jesse won't be steppin' out again.
The scars on Jesse's knuckles were more than just respected
The county courthouse records tell all there is to tell
The pockets of the gamblers will soon miss Jesse's money
And the black eye of the law will soon be well.
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord.
--- Instrumental ---
From now old Nancy Taylor can proudly speak to neighbors
And tell them how much Jesse hooked up with little Jim
Now Jimmy's got a daddy and Jesse's got a family
And Franklin County's got a lot more man.
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord.
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah ...
The Baptism of Jesse Taylor
George Jones delivers a haunting performance of 'The Baptism of Jesse Taylor' on his 1973 album, In a Gospel Way. This recording exemplifies Jones's mastery of the country gospel genre, blending traditional hymn structures with his signature emotive vocal style. The track reflects the deep spiritual and emotional themes prevalent in his discography during the early 1970s, showcasing his ability to convey profound sorrow and faith through music. As a staple of his later catalog, the song remains a testament to his influence on the country music landscape and his enduring connection to religious and folk traditions.