About the song

Let’s explore the evocative narrative of “The Outlaw’s Prayer,” a compelling country ballad performed by Johnny Paycheck. This poignant song, released in 1977 as part of Paycheck’s album “Slide Off of Your Satin Sheets,” delves into themes of redemption, remorse, and spiritual introspection.

Written by Larry Kingston, “The Outlaw’s Prayer” weaves a vivid tale of a repentant outlaw seeking solace and forgiveness from a higher power. Paycheck’s soulful vocals and the heartfelt lyrics create a stirring portrayal of inner conflict and the quest for redemption in the face of past transgressions.

The album “Slide Off of Your Satin Sheets” received critical acclaim upon its release, showcasing Paycheck’s versatility as an artist and his ability to convey raw emotion through his music. While “The Outlaw’s Prayer” may not have achieved mainstream chart success, its profound impact on listeners cannot be understated.

Despite its modest chart performance, “The Outlaw’s Prayer” has endured as a cult classic within the country music genre, revered by fans for its emotional depth and authenticity. Its exploration of themes such as forgiveness and redemption resonates with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless piece of storytelling in the country music canon.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Johnny Paycheck or discovering his music for the first time, “The Outlaw’s Prayer” invites you to reflect on the complexities of the human experience and the enduring power of faith and redemption. It’s a song that speaks to the soul and leaves a lasting impression long after the final notes fade away.

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Lyrics

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 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 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
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 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 You
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

By Tam Le

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