the outlaws prayer (album version)

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 kerbing, 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.
'A while ago, a 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, 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.'