Outlaw's Prayer

(Billy Sherrill - Glenn Sutton)



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 down town 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, sure 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."



So I just left, went back outside, sat down on that curbing,

An' I thought to myself

That's the house of the Lord, that guy's got the 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.

Awhile 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."



"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

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 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 what's in his bank account

So if this is what religion is, a big car, 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

Sidn'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..."