Composed, Copyrighted and Performed by Roger Himes
An Introduction to… “Churchianity Talkin’ Blues”
‘Taking Blues’ was a style of music back in the late 60s, 70s and early 80s — TALKING songs with guitar accompaniment.
They’re replaced by rap and other styles of music.
Three popular ones were, “Talkin’ Candy Bar Blues,” and “Movin’ to the Back of the Bus,” (this one was about the civil rights movement). Another was, “Talkin’ Football Blues.”
But the songs were always a type of satire — thought stimulating humor that made a point.
Being a satire, they weren’t intended to be serious, but they usually spoke to serious matters.
CHURCHIANITY TALKIN’ BLUES is also a satire, so take it with a grain of salt.
I sing all my other songs. This is the only ‘talking’ song I do.
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I went to city park the other day took my Bible just to get away I found a quiet, secluded spot there were lots of trees and I liked it a lot I read some verses and I thought a lot about all the love that Jesus brought About the good he did his whole life through And I thought of how good I’d been too.
Praise the Lord, I’ve been saved, I’ve just got to wait on judgment day.
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About that time a kid ran by a little tyke, a real small-fry Being chased by a great big guy who knocked him down hit him in the eye He kicked him and slapped him and knocked him around and rubbed his face into the ground.
I just got up and walked away I didn’t want to get involved He was probably just a brat anyway.
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A few minutes later I’m driving down the street when a lady driver I chanced to meet She turned right in front of me made me so mad I wanted to scream And I cussed her till she was out of sight even though I knew it wasn’t right But she made me mad she was in my way she made me stop and I had the right-of-way
She really burned me up Darn women drivers.
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I finally got home to my sweet little wife a lovely girl, the love of my life But low and behold she’d burned the dinner made me so mad I wanted to hit her That was a dumb thing for her to do and with the high price of meat too.
I stomped out of the house I got drunk that night It was better than staying home and having a fight.
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The next day was Friday, our church retreat lots of people there I wanted to meet I can show them how religious I am I know more scripture thank any of them But the leaders kind of ruined my plans they talked about sin the blood of the Lamb They said prayers and wanted to sing There wasn’t time left to do my thing.
I’d rather just be the Sunday School teacher anyway Or maybe the lay leader Perhaps on the board of deacons.
But these church retreats are for the birds I’m sure not going back next year.
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Here I am back at City Park the kids yell, the dogs bark But it’s better than women and church retreats I can read my Bible in quiet and peace The Bible teaches to share and to care they’re pretty words you can find there but impractical in our time It’s had to be loving, caring and kind
People are hard to love They have so many faults.
The Bible makes a good story though It makes me feel good I think I’ll just sit here and read.
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I keep my nose buried in the Book of Life and work at my church day and night I’ve got my peace, my love and care It’s in the Bible — all right there All about Jesus so long ago I wish he were here so he could show me how to do what he wants me to or at least give me a little clue.
World, pardon me if I don’t get up, but people bug me I’ve had enough.
Forgive me, Jesus if I don’t look up, but I didn’t see you standing there.
