[PeeJay]

Where Do I Stand?

I don’t read the Bible
Show my face in church
Preach of fire and brimstone
From a high and mighty perch

I’m not a Christian soldier
Here to conquer souls for you
That doesn’t mean I’m evil
Out to stir the devil’s brew

(Ch)
I have a good and gentle heart
Respect my fellow man
I don’t upset God’s apple cart
So… where do I stand?

My holy communion
Means chugging down a few
Backside on a barstool
Never furnishing a pew

I prefer the racing page
To boning up on psalms
But I’m not one for trouble
And I won’t do you no harm

(Ch)
I have a good and gentle heart
Respect my fellow man
I don’t upset God’s apple cart
So… where do I stand?

(Br)
In this game of life
I’m no saint nor a sinner
Should i queue for Paradise
Or will Old Nick beg to differ?

(Ch)
I have a good and gentle heart
Respect my fellow man
I don’t upset God’s apple cart
So… where do I stand?

© Philip Jones.

[hardtwistmusic]

I liked this a lot Phil. 

It's neither preachy nor "anti" anything.  But still manages to say a lot and indicts what needs to be indicted. 

I have an odd suggestion however.  So many times, I've advised people to make things more personal by writing in the first person. 

However, in this case, this would become MORE powerful if you were observing it about someone other than yourself. 

It's my opinion that this gets more effective if it's about she/her.  Then it can defend without being perceived ad "defensive."  If the narrator is no longer talking about self, he/she becomes a more credible "witness" to what he/she is describing. 

It's rare I give such advice.... but this time it's what I think would make this better.  That could just be a personal bias.... so don't follow the advice unless it resonates with you.

[PeeJay]

Hi Verlon,

I put it in the first person as i was wondering myself whether someone who lives - mostly - by the Ten Commandments but didn't go to church or profess a faith would be 'saved'.

Seems a bit harsh to burn in hell forever if you don't!

Cheers,

Phil.

[tomcrocus]

Hi phil,
          i also liked this a lot and being the person that i am i can
sort of relate to the lines in the song,well done,
                                                                  tom.

[Vintage54]

      Hey,
        Tell you where you stand my friend, right here next to me. You stole my head, when you put this together. Love it, can i suggest some changes, no, cause i can't think of any. If your feet ever find their way to my neck of the woods, the drinks are on me. Or maybe we'll meet in a church somewhere. TOPS!

                                Vintage54

[Paulski]

Hey Phil

Strong write my friend, a strong write.
Couple of things I would suggest: ignore at will..

In the bridge - isn't old Nick = Santa Claus - or is this a UK/NA thing?

If I live my life
Being neither saint nor sinner
Should i queue for Paradise
Or will Old Nick beg to differ? (Saint Peter?)

I also thought the line "I don’t upset God’s apple cart" is good, but lost its luster the 3rd time through. Maybe vary it a bit later in the song - "I don’t upset His/no apple cart" or similar?

But as it is it still works well so keep or sweep!
Paul

[Neil C]

Phil,
Agree with other and really like the questioning chorus/
 
Neil

[PeeJay]

Hi Tom, Vintage, Paul and Neil,

Thanks for reading.

Paul - Old Nick is the devil. Saint Nicholas ie St Nick is Santa Claus. The guy is wondering if the devil will claim him for not showing enough devotion!

I thought with 'apple cart' it shows he's not disruptive in life and might connect with the apple of Adam and Eve - or maybe not!

Cheers all,

Phil.

[Paulski]

Paul - Old Nick is the devil. Saint Nicholas ie St Nick is Santa Claus. The guy is wondering if the devil will claim him for not showing enough devotion!

The devil you say!!? Man talk about continental drift! First it's montydog's scum spoon and now the devil has a new name. I need to get out more...

[PeeJay]

Yeah i googled it and everything. That counts as research!

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Old+Nick