Johnny Paycheck was a country music singer and songwriter from Ohio. He was born in 1938 and died in 2003. Paycheck had over 70 charted singles during his career, including his biggest hit, "Take This Job and Shove It." However, one of his most memorable songs is "The Outlaw's Prayer."
The Story Behind "The Outlaw's Prayer"
"The Outlaw's Prayer" was written by Tommy Collins, who was a country music singer and songwriter from California. Collins wrote the song in the late 1970s, and it was first recorded by Johnny Paycheck in 1978. The song tells the story of an outlaw who is on the run from the law and is seeking forgiveness from God.
The song was controversial when it was released because of its lyrics, which included references to alcohol, drugs, and violence. However, it became a hit among country music fans and is now considered a classic of the outlaw country genre.
The Lyrics of "The Outlaw's Prayer"
Here are the lyrics of "The Outlaw's Prayer":
I thank the Lord for everything
And you know as well as me that's a mighty hard thing to do
But I'll do my best to be truthful to you
And to God and to myself, because it's all the same to him you know
And if I should die before I wakeI'll be standing in line, just to hear him say
Welcome to the kingdom, brother
Well, they're all here
And they've been waiting such a long, long time
Just waiting for you
And they've been saving a place just for you
So you'll feel right at homeAnd I thank the Lord for everything
And you know as well as me that's a mighty hard thing to do
But I'll do my best to be truthful to you
And to God and to myself, because it's all the same to him you know
And if I should die before I wakeI'll be standing in line, just to hear him say
Welcome to the kingdom, brother
Now, I ain't never been much on religion
And I ain't never been much on handin' things over to the Lord
But you know, sometimes you just gotta say:
"Lord, I can't handle all this stuff by myself,
So here it is. You take care of it."
And that's kinda where I'm at right now
And I thank the Lord for everything
And you know as well as me that's a mighty hard thing to do
But I'll do my best to be truthful to you
And to God and to myself, because it's all the same to him you know
And if I should die before I wakeI'll be standing in line, just to hear him say
Welcome to the kingdom, brother
The Meaning of "The Outlaw's Prayer"
The meaning of "The Outlaw's Prayer" is open to interpretation, but most people see it as a song about redemption and forgiveness. The outlaw in the song is seeking forgiveness from God for his sins, which include drinking, drug use, and violence. He knows that he has made mistakes in his life, but he is hoping that God will welcome him into heaven.
Many people see "The Outlaw's Prayer" as a powerful statement about the human condition. It speaks to the idea that no matter how far we may stray from the path of righteousness, there is always a chance for redemption. It is a song about hope and faith in the face of adversity.
In Conclusion
"The Outlaw's Prayer" is a classic country song that has resonated with audiences for decades. Its message of redemption and forgiveness is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. Johnny Paycheck's powerful vocals and Tommy Collins' poignant lyrics have made this song a favorite among country music fans around the world.
