big white gate

my body's acing from laying in this bed

i went singing in the rain and the cold got to my head

i don't know who's paying i just know what the doctor said

84 years of a sinning life and in the morning i'll be dead

i had three daughters

a new man for every one

the only man that i ever loved

left me with my only son

i was a no good mother

i was a no good wife

there's only one thing that i did right in this godforsaken life

saint peter won't you open up the big white gate

cause i heard about forgiveness and i hope it ain't too late

i ain't no holy roller but you go tell your king

that all the folks up in heaven might like to hear me sing

i sang to my children

before they strayed so far

i sang for my lovers

or a nickel in a tip jar

i never knew jesus

i never read the good book

but on my day of dying

i'm giving life a second look

saint peter won't you open up the big white gate

cause i heard about forgiveness and i hope it ain't too late

i ain't no holy roller but you go tell your king

that all the folks up in heaven might like to hear me sing

it's coming on time now

my body's getting cold

i've got no will i've got no prayer

my story's all been told

i'm ready for the land of fire

but i'd love to see the land of gold

so nurse bring me my guitar

one more song before i go

saint peter won't you open up the big white gate

cause i heard about forgiveness and i hope it ain't too late

i ain't no holy roller but you go tell your king

that all the folks up in heaven might like to hear me sing