Jesus Don't Want Me (And The Devil Don't Care) ukulele original

I know this song is going to upset a few people, but before you take umbrage, let me tell you a couple of things. Many years ago, I entered the seminary to study for the Roman Catholic priesthood - I lasted two and a bit years. It is not something one enters into lightly and, although it was partly my decision to leave, I was, ultimately, pushed - which left me quite devastated. There was no support for me or others like me at the time and the only advice I received on leaving was, "be careful what you do - The Devil doesnt care about your faith and will take advantage where he can". I dont know any better now what it was supposed to mean than I did then, but I did like 'The Devil Doesn't Care' both as a lyric and a concept.

Being brought up a Catholic, there are strict rules and guidelines to follow regarding ones morality as well as spirituality. It took me a heck of a long time to realise that it is possible to have a personal code of conduct and not be dictated to by a dogmatic construct of the church. As one grows, ones moral boundaries become less harshly defined, I find and that the 'black and white' teachings of religion do not always fit well with being a good and decent person. There are grey areas but they are not to be feared but embraced.

This song, then, is not about anti-establishmentarianism or church/religion bashing, it is about discovering that you can be a good person and have your own moral compass and code of conduct even if it strays slightly beyond the bounds of what you were taught by your spiritual leaders - afterall, they are supposed to be spiritual leaders, not thought police.


Jesus Dont Want Me (The Devil Dont Care)
©casetone2514 2010
CHORUS
E A
Jesus doesnt want me and the Devil doesnt care
E B7
God is in His heaven and the Holy Spirits out there somewhere
E E7
Buddha just sits and smiles benignly
A A7
I just figured it out and finally
E B7 E
Jesus dont want me and the Devil dont really care

CHORUS

Jesus wanted me for a sunbeam, Satan wanted me too
An angel and a devil sitting on each shoulder telling me what to do
The guy on the right says, do the right thing
While the one on the left says, to hell with him
How am I supposed to know how to choose

CHORUS

All my life Ive been trying to do the things they wanted me to
But devils and angels dont sit on shoulders, its me thats had to choose
On one hand conscience is a terrifying thing
On the other - its free will - so let your heart sing
Free choice is good so how the hell con you lose.

CHORUS

SPOKEN (N.C.)
Jesus and Buddha sitting in a tree
P.R.E.A.C.H.I.N.G
Allah and Yahweh sitting there too
Trying to tell the rest of us what to do

CHORUS X2

Category:

Music

Tags:

• casetone2514
• jesus
• don't
• want
• me
• the
• devil
• dont
• care
• ukulele
• ukelele
• uke
• original
• song
• personal
• moral
• compass

[ruth7784]

OMG! Wow, I love the really cleverly written and strong lyrics! The tune is really fab too! I can't see why people would be upset by it. I really appreciate your graceful honesty. I always really love your originals, they are all really fantastic songs and I hope you'll do more! :-) Loadsa love and hugs :-) XXXX

[casetone2514]

@ruth7784

Thanks Ruth - if you mention Jesus in a song that is not a worship song some people will automatically assume you are knocking Christianity. I just like to pre-empt these things.

[idrnoel]

Hey Tony, your honestly is just so... I don't know how to put it but it's something I really appreciate. It must've been really tough. I suppose ... it just makes me treasure your friendship.

[casetone2514]

@idrnoel

Thanks for your kind words - most appreciated

[casetone2514]

@idrnoel

It's a cheap and nasty uke for decoration only. It soungs aweful.

[ukeshale]

I entirely agree. We can all be good people without any set of guidelines other than our own. Great song.

[casetone2514]

@ukeshale

Not quite the point I was making, but thanks for your continuing support Shane. Have you made any decision about going to Cheltenhan yet?

[ChrisBBeats1]

you wrote this, really!? if you were around a long time ago you'd be the one who wrote all the folk standards that people whistle on their way to work. nice job.

[mallardhead]

Interesting! I like your story! Mine's similar. Same result as to your last paragraph conclusion; but a totally different results as to knowing Jesus wants me ... especially to be that person AND His "friend". As Leader, He set the goals for those following. Leaders set them high. Its my commitment and efforts that let me reach them ... er, it, actually. .. To love others fully.

[b4u8me2day]

you are the uke master, i like the very clear chords, thanks

[ukeshale]

@casetone2514 not yet but I'll keep you posted. It's fast approaching, that's for sure.

[idrnoel]

@casetone2514 By the way, I really like that Union Jack uke behind you. Hope you'll do a song with that.