The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor

(album: That's The Way Love Goes - 1974)

Among the local taverns there'll be a slack in business
Cause Jesse's drinking came before the groceries and the rent
Among the local women there'll be a slack in cheating
Cause Jesse won't be stepping out again

They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
Cause this time he went under for the Lord

The scars on Jesse's knuckles were more than just respected
The county courthouse records tell all there is to tell
The pockets of the gamblers will soon miss Jesse's money
And the black eye of the law will soon be well

They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
Cause this time he went under for the Lord

From now old Nancy Taylor can proudly speak to neighbors
And tell them how much Jesse took up with little Jim
Now Jimmy's got a daddy and Jesse's got a family
And Franklin County's got a lot more man

They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried hallelujah when Jesse's head went under
Cause this time he went under for the Lord
...