When I Get to Heaven
When I Get to Heaven

John Prine - When I Get to Heaven Lyrics

John Prine's whimsical and heartfelt lyrics paint a vivid picture of his vision for the afterlife. The song reflects on the joys and freedoms he anticipates in heaven, from shaking God's hand to starting a rock-n-roll band. Prine humorously imagines… Read more

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When I Get to Heaven Music Video

When I Get to Heaven Lyrics

When I get to heaven, I'm gonna shake God's hand
Thank him for more blessings than one man can stand
Then I'm gonna get a guitar and start a rock-n-roll band
Check into a swell hotel, ain't the afterlife grand?

And then I'm gonna get a cocktail, vodka and ginger ale
Yeah, I'm gonna smoke a cigarette that's nine miles long
I'm gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl
'Cause this old man is goin' to town

Then as God is my witness, I'm gettin' back into show business
I'm gonna open up a nightclub called "The Tree of Forgiveness"
And forgive everybody ever done me any harm
Well, I might even invite a few choice critics, those syph'litic parasitics
Buy 'em a pint of Smithwick's and smother 'em with my charm

'Cause then I'm gonna get a cocktail, vodka and ginger ale
Yeah I'm gonna smoke a cigarette that's nine miles long
I'm gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl
Yeah this old man is goin' to town

Yeah when I get to heaven, I'm gonna take that wristwatch off my arm
What are you gonna do with time after you've bought the farm?
And then I'm gonna go find my mom and dad, and good old brother Doug
Why I bet him and cousin Jackie are still cuttin' up a rug
I wanna see all my mama's sisters, 'cause that's where all the love starts
I miss 'em all like crazy, bless their little hearts
And I always will remember these words my daddy said
He said, "Buddy, when you're dead, you're a dead pecker-head"
I hope to prove him wrong that is, when I get to heaven

'Cause I'm gonna have a cocktail, vodka and ginger ale
Yeah I'm gonna smoke a cigarette that's nine miles long
I'm gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl
Yeah this old man is goin' to town
Yeah this old man is goin' to town

Writer(s): JOHN E PRINE
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of When I Get to Heaven?

John Prine's whimsical and heartfelt lyrics paint a vivid picture of his vision for the afterlife. The song reflects on the joys and freedoms he anticipates in heaven, from shaking God's hand to starting a rock-n-roll band. Prine humorously imagines indulgences like smoking an impossibly long cigarette and drinking cocktails, symbolizing ultimate liberation. He also envisions reuniting with loved ones, underscoring themes of family and forgiveness. The creation of "The Tree of Forgiveness" nightclub highlights his desire to let go of past grievances. Ultimately, the song conveys a blend of humor, nostalgia, and hope for eternal peace and happiness.

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