Conversion Of Ronnie Jones

Merle Haggard · Hag-The Studio Recordings 1969-1976 [2007]

(Tommy Collins)



Ronnie Jones decided to settle down so he married Annie Birch

Now Annie hadn't been around too much she mostly only went to church

Right away she started in insistin' that he come on up and join

He said I'll tell you what I'll do to settle this by dog I'll flip a coin.



Preacher used some fancy words but Ronnie tried his best to understand

Cause he loved his little Annie and for her he wanted to be a better man

But of all the things they told him it seemed that he remembered only one

He said I guess I'll have to go up there and tell 'em everything I've done.



The Sunday meeting just took up and Ronnie stood outside half scared to death

Regretin' what he had to do in there and tried hard to get his breath

There didn't seem to be much use to put off what he had to do no more

So he backed way up and took a run and bolted through the double lobby door.



--- Instrumental ---



Annie's eyes began to overflow in tears of joy at what she saw

The preacher took him by the hand and said bless you my boy tell it all

While every head was bowed in prayer some women slipped outside as if

to pray

Fearin' what the spirit might cause Ronnie and his circumstance to say.



All their fears were justified his simple life became an open book

Names like Dorris Cunningham Wanda Webb even Marlene Cook

Another kind of fire began to burn down in the depths of Annie's soul

She turned on Ron and used some words nobody'd ever heard her say before

Sometimes we know not what we pray for...

Conversion Of Ronnie Jones

Merle Haggard's 'Conversion Of Ronnie Jones' stands as a poignant song in his extensive gospel catalog, reflecting the artist's deep spiritual roots alongside his signature country storytelling. Recorded during a prolific period of his career, the track captures Haggard's ability to blend secular heartache with religious redemption, a theme that permeates much of his work from the late 1960s and 1970s. The song highlights his versatility beyond barroom ballads, showcasing a sincere vocal delivery that emphasizes the transformative power of faith. As part of a broader body of work that includes numerous award-winning gospel hits, this recording remains a testament to Haggard's enduring influence on the genre. It offers listeners a glimpse into the personal convictions that shaped his music, reinforcing his status as a master of American roots music who could articulate profound emotional shifts with clarity and grace.