Never Tell An Outlaw Not to Sing about Jesus
Performed by Bale Harrison and the Texas Field Hands
Never Tell An Outlaw Not to Sing about Jesus – DOWNLOAD
Verse 1:
Now you’ll probably survive telling the nicest guy in Nashville,
Not to mention Jesus, but you better not tell me; I ain’t from Niceville.
If you’re on the Opry, you got something to lose,
But I’m an outlaw, baby, I ain’t got no friends or stage to lose.
Chorus:
Never tell an outlaw not to sing about Jesus,
‘Cause I’ll belt you and then belt it out in the breeze,
I just disagree with a lot of stuff and resist,
So keep your doubts to yourself, ‘cause my arm’s hard to twist.
Verse 2:
You think I’m just a cowboy, with my boots and my hat,
But when you tell me what not to sing, you better not turn your back.
I’ve been to prison, yeah, for screwing with the g-man,
What you figure I’ll do to some atheist, if he ain’t got a plan?
Chorus:
Never tell an outlaw not to sing about Jesus,
You can try to shut me up, but you’ll only make it worse,
I’ll strum these six-chambers loud, ‘n’ with pretty good aim,
Can’t stop me singing ‘bout salvation; I don’t need no fame…
Hell, any chance of fame; that’s done gone.
Bridge:
Oh, I’ve seen the stars align, and I’ve danced with fate,
So don’t you come around here tryin’ to seal my mouth up tight.
You think you’ve got the answers? Well, I’ll give you a surprise—
‘Cause when you tell me not to sing for the Savior, that just ain’t wise!
Verse 3:
So keep your sneers and scoffs, call me a fool or worse,
I’m the outlaw with a message, and I’ll sing it whatever it hurts.
With every chord I strike, I’ll echo heaven’s grace,
So if you don’t like my message, you better find a safer place.
Chorus:
Never tell an outlaw not to sing about Jesus,
You’ll find yourself in trouble if you’re tryin’ to play coy,
I’ll take my stand on this stage, let the world know what’s in the Bible,
For me a little violence is viable; so for you it’ll be about survival.
Now I might have missed Jesus’ point; that’s my problem.
But you telling me what not to sing; that’s gonna be YOUR problem.
Outro:
You can tell the established crowd not to sing about Jesus; that’s one thing. But telling an outlaw that; that’s an entirely different ‘and’ risky thing.
I’ll keep on singing praises, in the darkest of the night,
So don’t you ever tell me to keep my faith out of sight!
Lyrics and Music by Alan Nafzger
Never Tell An Outlaw Not to Sing about Jesus
The story from Snopes regarding Vince Gill and the Grand Ole Opry illustrates the tensions between personal expression of faith and the expectations of a mainstream audience. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements and influences that could inspire a song like “Never Tell An Outlaw Not to Sing about Jesus” based on the context provided:
Who
- Vince Gill: A prominent country music artist known for his smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics. He is also recognized for his openness about his Christian faith.
- Grand Ole Opry: An iconic country music venue in Nashville, often seen as a bastion of traditional country music values and culture.
What
- The Snopes article details an incident where Gill was reportedly admonished for mentioning Jesus during his performances at the Grand Ole Opry. This incident sparked discussions about the intersection of faith and public performance in the country music scene.
- The story reflects broader themes in country music, where personal beliefs and expressions of faith are often central to an artist’s identity.
How
- The writer of “Never Tell An Outlaw Not to Sing about Jesus” may have drawn inspiration from this incident by highlighting the rebellious spirit of an outlaw who refuses to silence his faith.
- The song incorporates elements of personal testimony, suggesting that just as Vince Gill faced pressure regarding his beliefs, the narrator similarly resists external influences telling him what to sing.
Why
- Current Events: The story resonates with contemporary tensions surrounding freedom of expression, particularly in the context of artistic performance. The increasing polarization around religion and politics can make artists feel pressure to conform to certain expectations.
- Nashville Rumors: Nashville, as the heart of country music, is rife with stories and rumors that reflect the struggles of artists balancing their personal convictions with industry norms. The song captures this cultural milieu, expressing both a defiance against censorship and a commitment to authenticity.
- Influence on Writing: The writer may have used this background to craft a narrative that speaks to the outlaw archetype in country music—a character who stands firm in their beliefs despite societal pressures. By incorporating humor and wit, the song seeks to engage listeners while also addressing deeper themes of faith, resistance, and individuality.
In essence, “Never Tell An Outlaw Not to Sing about Jesus” serves as both a tribute to the struggles faced by artists like Vince Gill and a broader commentary on the importance of maintaining one’s voice in the face of adversity.
Analysis by Bale Harrison (Henrietta, Texas)
Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by Alan Nafzger