John Prine - 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 as 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
Well 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





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John Prine When I Get To Heaven Comments
  1. s.... j....

    You can't get a more hard core song like Sam Stone. John Prine is The Artist.

  2. D.... C....

    "Those syphilitic parasitics" I think John Prine is the greatest !!!

  3. M.... P....

    Really love JP but dislike Ticketmaster for over charging. $204 ea seat in my town Southeast US.
    Thx JP 👍✌️

  4. A.... S....

    Animation creeps me out a little. It needs a happier setting in my opinion.

  5. C.... A....

    121 didn't get to have a cocktail or smoke a cigarette that's 9 miles long.

  6. s.... 7....

    Oh ya john prine ,,what an incredible man ,love your tunes dude,,your a world tressure. Sir,,

  7. R.... Y....

    John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, and Bob Dylan create beautiful poetry into songs.

  8. J.... M....

    I love you John

  9. S.... H....

    Man... I get a lump in my throat listening to this guy sometimes. He get's right to the heart of things without seeming to try too hard.

  10. G.... M....

    If ya get a chance, please check out my friend Chadde(s) site out, 1st508th Airborne, that is, if ya like doggies :)

  11. M.... ....

    I just heard this song for the first time. Could not help but smile. I guess thats one of the things that makes John Prine so great.

  12. S.... S....

    I love this oh my.  Sometimes when you can't laugh something will make you laugh and this did it for me.  Warms my soul.  Thank you!!!!

  13. R.... I....

    "Sam Stone" is one of his best tunes.
    .

  14. W.... P....

    Smoke on for me MIKE. RIP.

  15. C.... A....

    112 people didn't make it to heaven...

  16. n.... ....

    Wishing you heaven on earth and a very happy birthday, dear John Prine! God bless you!

  17. b.... c....

    WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN IM GONNA LISTEN TO JOHN PRINE ALL DAY

  18. G.... Z....

    "Buy them a pint of Smithwicks"(Smithwick's is an Irish red ale-style beer. It is the most consumed ale in Ireland.)

    G.... Z....

    Never in a million years will smithwicks be the most consumed beer in Ireland.

  19. M.... ....

    I heard this on WDCB a few weeks ago. Oh my !! And the sweetest thing about it to show its age was kissing the girl ... on the tilt-a-whirl . Most precious. Younger folks would not know what we're talking about. Let's keep it our secret code. wink wink .

  20. J.... W....

    I think when I get to heaven I'll give him a high five. and when he gives me a low. I'll pull back and tell him. to slow. now we're even bro.

  21. M.... F....

    Man that is just one sweet song

  22. J.... O....

    Some of the most honest music that ever brought a smile to my heart and a tear to my eye. Thank you John.

  23. D.... M....

    My Wife just said that she would love to give John a big hug... so would I! Thanks for the music!!!

  24. R.... G....

    May God bless John Prine (and keep his hands off of him). What a a thoughtful, clever man who has helped so many people with his philosophy, insight and humor. God bless bill murry just for mentioning john prine.

  25. c.... k....

    the world without john would too damn lonely    welcome back john ive missed you

  26. D.... S....

    It makes me sad. Health and long years to you, John

  27. B.... W....

    Get well John, my heart and my kindness thoughts are with you. Sorry I'm gonna miss a show, but I'll catch up with you later.

  28. k.... ....

    I can relate. When I get to Heaven, I want beer and that 9 mile long cigarette, ha! Paradise and euphoria.

  29. A.... P....

    syphilitic parasitic made me laugh out loud. great animation, too

  30. V.... Z....

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    V.... Z....

    Communication's transportation's freight and more importantly I want you to know that you have a brilliant personality

  31. L.... M....

    I love this song and this video so much. Just discovered the video today! Wow!

  32. M.... D....

    Went to John Prine concert three days ago in the Chicago area. He sang this song as his encore. What a great concert. He sang for 1.75 hours straight!

  33. R.... P....

    There has never been anyone that sings like Philippé Wynne. It's like he's bending notes by being just slightly off key, or something. That and his vocals are rhythmic, or something.
    He was not an original member and then he shared lead vocals when he was so his name is never really attached to his biggest hits, this and Rubberband Man. Remember then, this is Philippé and share that knowledge if you like this so he isn't forgotten.

  34. D.... F....

    I have only recently discovered John Prine due to going to "Open Mic "nights and hearing his songs being performed by some of the other guys who were there.I cannot believe I missed out on such a talent all these years .The man is a genius and I love all of his stuff ,especially Souvenirs an SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSouvenirs and please don't bury me.

  35. i.... a....

    God bless ya john never liked country music til i heard your stuff...i still love rocknroll but you enriched my life

  36. J.... ....

    Who would do this man any harm?

  37. J.... J....

    Lyrical genius

  38. J.... A....

    John goes to heaven every now and then...

  39. C.... O....

    Not one bad song on Tree of Forgiveness! All I can say is, there is no better example of an artist who has overcome physical adversity and then got up and gave the whole world music and songs to think and smile about, its John Prine!!! Truly Amazing Grace.

  40. R.... K....

    Love the video.

  41. G.... D....

    This song makes me laugh and cry all in one song. That is the John Prine experience!

  42. R.... F....

    This Christian thinks that is one of the best descriptions of the great future we have. Thank you Mr. Prine. I'd like to play bass in your heavenly rock'n roll band

  43. T.... D....

    Im going to see John in St Louis! First time I seen em was Carbondale Il home of the Campus of Southern Illinois University where I was a student of 19 in 1980. Had no idea who he was then. I still really don't know.

  44. G.... D....

    This song made me so happy! RIP Patrick. 😃

  45. g.... ....

    The doctors took his cancer but took away his will to live free as a bird. Doctors are arachnophobiac with smoking and like all untreated arachnophobiacs, are they obsessed with "the spider" and blame it for everything that's wrong. It's a serious mental condition, in my opinion, but try to tell a doctor, and he act like a drug addict in denial. If you want to bully a doctor, show him a cigarette, and he will run screaming.

  46. J.... R....

    Awesome 💪🏻🤙🏻💪🏻

  47. I.... F....

    Amazing ever love this ever thanks John appreciate

  48. C.... H....

    John Prine, has the best tunes. Seen him in cheyenne wyoming. Ladie in front kept ssshhhs me, employee came got me said your in the wrong seat, moved my front row center, it was gods gift to me. Loved to see him again....great job. All songs hit my heart

  49. d.... ....

    Man John prine, I am an aspiring musician and you are my biggest inspiration, you changed my life and I hope someday we can play together up there. Much love!!

  50. j.... G....

    I been listening to JP since 1974. Iam a 70 yr old man. I can honestly say,....if I out live him,..I will cry cry cry like a baby. How can 63 fuckin idiots give him a thumbs down ????....I guess there are 63 morons in this world.

  51. r.... ....

    Well I hope when he does go to heaven he'll tell Steve Goodman I said hello.

  52. g.... ....

    I love this song - I freakin love the album

    g.... ....

    I. Never. Kissed. A girl. On. A tilt a. Whirl

  53. J.... W....

    Great song John.. Its funny I love Vodka and Ginger Ale but never mixed them.. I will tonight.. This world is a better place with you and your music in it.. God bless brother...

  54. b.... ....

    Never been a big star?  Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, in interviews years apart listed him as in the top three musicians they went to when they were looking for inspiration

  55. C.... W....

    WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS , YOU ARE ONE OF KIND !!! ,
    I MEAN THAT IN A GOOD WAY

  56. e.... p....

    No comment. Smh

  57. A.... A....

    Mr. Soul ‘69, John Prine is an enormous star, and certainly a blessing to us all.

  58. h.... ....

    Who in the hell gives this a thumb's down??? Could it be.... SATAN!!!

  59. R.... J....

    If your that good,you ain't gotta be famous

  60. H.... R....

    When I get to Heaven......gives me so many amazing things to think about!

  61. K.... W....

    ❤️👀Mom left the light on for you

  62. A.... B....

    Love it

  63. V.... Z....

    #Worldwarsto
    @https://youtu.be/0IoOWZLfF8U

    V.... Z....

    #KanzakiMasahiro

  64. h.... ....

    God Bless You John.

  65. G.... A....

    holy SHIT this song

  66. K.... H....

    Rang in the new year with John at the Grand Ole Opry. Heavenly!!

  67. J.... C....

    Nice tune 214!

  68. K.... U....

    Love it Thank You

  69. K.... P....

    One of the best poets and musicians on the planet.

  70. J.... M....

    He's my Poet.

  71. L.... G....

    Luv the man,he is even better n concert.

  72. Z.... 5....

    Sounds like a ledbelly tune

  73. R.... S....

    America’s Greatest Song Writer!

  74. K.... S....

    He saved my life a few times

    K.... S....

    for real

  75. D.... D....

    Classic John Prine

  76. G.... P....

    John Prine is a National treasure.

  77. b.... ....

    i love you john! thank you for your sweet music and heart. <3

  78. B.... S....

    Brilliant!!!! Long may you continue to entertain and inspire us with your great songs John.

    B.... S....

    i just love this S.O.Bitch

  79. D.... D....

    When he gets to heaven? Sorry bro after the sale of your soul you are going to the pit

  80. K.... H....

    woohoo!!!!

  81. C.... C....

    Then....

  82. Y.... ....

    Who doesn't love John Prine? ✌

  83. C.... P....

    That piano though

  84. T.... B....

    John Prine doesn't realize and doesn't know the depth of and how truly rotten and destructive and despicable alcohol and nicotine and caffeine and sugar are and have been to the human race and the planet earth and all living things and non living things in existance since the beginning when man invented and discovered this rotten poisonous shit and began massively producing and consuming these powerful stimulant drugs unbeknownst to him. They didn't know then and we still don't know today that they are the cause of everything occurring in this world including our population explosion to seven and a half billion and bombs that can blow up the world and the willingness to use them.

    My Discovery.

    My Nobel Prize Discovery.

    Thank You

  85. R.... B....

    Wow, this really takes me back! I am at a loss for words to describe the way this makes me feel. Thanks so much, Mr. John Prine! This world needs a lot more people like you.

  86. O.... M....

    U are one of my f song righter

  87. A.... F....

    The Best.

  88. b.... ....

    Thank you Johnye, very cool!

  89. B.... W....

    Thank you John! I hope I get to heaven before you, so I can tell them how wonderful you are. After a lifetime of listening to your songs many have become like prayers to me. Please do Fish and Whistle that song means so much to me.

  90. J.... R....

    PS my Dad used to call all the kids peckerheads too, lol!! :)

  91. J.... R....

    John, you can do no wrong when it comes to your music. You're the best in my book. I sure hope you don't get to heaven too soon. I'd love to hear a lot more from you still.

  92. K.... H....

    I'm back... woohoo!

  93. R.... J....

    Instant classic.

  94. O.... g....

    Just fantastic..Keep em coming..

  95. M.... S....

    Maybe John Prine has never been a big star, but he's never been anything less than a colossal talent. He's made this old world a better place.

    M.... S....

    You know him and I know him that is what John wants

    M.... S....

    Proud to be a member of the same species.

    M.... S....

    He even has a lot of fans in the Netherlands. He must be abig star.

    M.... S....

    Love this song!

    M.... S....

    Fish sticks.....natl treasure !

  96. T.... A....

    Thanks John