Song Squawk – Shoeshine Johnny – Considering the Bible

In the mid nineties, I had a little red Buick and a big ol’ bass box in the trunk, and would listen to “Christian Rock”, cranked to 11.

(What did you say? Huh? Can you say that again, I didn’t hear you….)

I have gotten away from that genre for many reasons, the least of which may be a loss of hearing, but some songs have stuck with me over the decades.

The artist’s I listened to sought to reflect Scriptural teaching for the most part. They ranged from “preaching” pop culture religion to significant theological teaching. As I listened to the lyrics, I found some to be quite challenging.

To be honest, I listened because I could justify the rock beat with “sanctified lyrics”.

Occassionaly I will post a song, supply the lyrics and make a comment or two. If you decide to listen to the tune, turn the speaker down unless you are already deaf. Some of the songs tend to have a certain “volume” about them!

This post will consider the song

Shoeshine Johnny – by Guardian

Guardian was a group I listened to often, and they always had a distinct gospel message in thier lyrics. Shoeshine Johnny is a typical song that tells the story of a poor man who has his eyes on the prize.

Listen son he said to me
Jesus died to set us free
You’re old enough it’s time to chose
With the Lord you’ll never lose
Beat them everlasting blues

These guys sound a bit like Aerosmith and/or Van Halen, albeit without the guitar power.

Take a listen!

Shoeshine Johnny – by Guardian

Shoeshine Johnny – by Guardian

Shoeshine Johnny’s just doin’ time
Settin’ up shop at the five and dime
Seen a whole lot of miles, got a few more to go
Everyone says he’s a humble man
Tell ya bout life like no one can
With a wink and a smile he’d let ya know
All kinda people come from miles around
Just to hear Johnny tell his stories
Talk about the days gone by
Talkin’ bout future glory
Round round round lie goes
Tell you how the good Lord knows
He’d be shinin’ most every day
Sit right down listen what he says

Some like to play with fire
But there’s a love that’s higher
And you know the Lord’s been good to me for sure
Hard times can come and go
But one thing for sure I know
When I die
The richest man I’ll be

Lookin’ back I remember the times
Laughin-and-a-jokin-and-a-feelin fine
Ol’ Johnny pick you up when you’re feelin’ low
His words hang on in my memory
The dusty ol’ book that he read to me
Even now I’m grown they speak to me
What gains a man to win the world
But lose his very soul
Riches of the Promised Land
Much better than silver and gold
Oh how wise is he that makes the Lord his company
Fearless of the days to come
Knowin’ that the battles won

Listen son he said to me
Jesus died to set us free
You’re old enough it’s time to chose
With the Lord you’ll never lose
Beat them everlasting blues

Let me know what you think of the lyrics, and of the tunes!