For Sonny
Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Jesus! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord! When Sonny sang, it could make you perspire Well Honey, today he’s leadin’ the choir! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord!
Now some folks’ thinkin’ is just unreal, Sayin’ the more I suffer, well the better I feel. The very thought of joy would make them wiggle. But Sonny knew, and he often said That a church should put forth life not death Then he’d grin that silly grin and he’d just giggle.
Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Jesus! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord! Some say Sonny gave up his life of sin But I think Francis just hugged it out of him. Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord!
I was sittin’ out there in my congregation A victim of spiritual constipation When I said “Hallelujah!” some gal had a fit. She obviously didn’t think that I was funny And I know that if she sat by Sonny. She’d real quick find another place to sit.
Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Jesus! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord! I once said, “Sonny, you got jokes to spare But could you please not tell ‘em while we’re deep in prayer?” Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord!
Well we had a mission in our church Some thought it was great, some thought is was worse. Some thought it was just about the best thing that could happen. When Sonny got up to testify It like we saw Jesus eye-to-eye. But this time what we saw was Jesus laughin’!
Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Jesus! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord! They say heaven’s a shock for lots of folks But livin’ with Francis is pretty close. Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord!
The first time I met Sonny he was standin’ outside the Arenzville Methodist church talkin’ to the guys who’d snuck out for a smoke during the mission. I was…uh… sweeping the walk or something. I can remember the look on their faces as this curly-haired Jesus lover stood there without condemnation, just love. For many of us, he was the first person we ever met who talked about Jesus without gettin’ paid for it. .. uh.. sorry pastor. He looked at me and said, “You enjoyin’ the mission, big fella?” I said, “Heck yes!” I lied. Actually, I hadn’t been to the mission.. But once I walked in the door, I found I couldn’t walk out. (stop) If the holy spirit didn’t grab you, Francis would.
Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Jesus! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord! When I first met Sonny his hair was curled Now it is again… Joy to the World! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord!
I knew a town a lot like this Across the state near the Mississip Like you we do nice things and some just silly. But wouldn’t really be a shock If someday when we talked to God….he said “Hey! I just want to give thanks for Sonny’s life!” Holy cow! What if God sounded just like Willy?
Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Jesus! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord! There are those out there who look a bit frantic If you don’t understand, then you ain’t from Niantic. Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord!
But seriously, I know there are those of you who don’t know me and thought that perhaps with all the stress she’s been under, Francis hired a lunatic to sing at Sonny’s funeral. Well, you’re right. I am. Thanks to Sonny and Francis, there’s a lot of lunatics in the world today… crazy out of their minds for the love of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. And if this song does indeed bother you, then I’m afraid I’ll have to upset you even more… Look around you… you’re surrounded. Let’s sing this one for Sonny… (Amazing Grace)
Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Jesus! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord! I have a message from Sonny, He said “Too bad you’re sorry, But could you keep it down? You’re disturbin’ my party!” Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord!
Well, this is about it. All the damage we can do in one song. But I want to say, the next time you feel like croonin’ along with some sad song about the trials and tribulations of doin’ the Lord’s work.. Next time you feel like sayin’ “Oh Lord beat me so I’ll feel better, I just want you to remember one thing: Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly … and brother… nobody had it more abundantly than Sonny. This ain’t no fat Buddah you’re livin’ for.. No dead Mohammed or blood-thirsty Allah or money-grabbin’ Reverend Moon or black magic Ouija board horoscope maker… This isn’t even the Bishop! We’re talkin’ about the real thing! The Lord of Joy.. the Alpha and Omega. The great I Am. The livin’ savior of the world.. Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Jesus! Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord! God uses some things that seem real funny…. For me it was just a man called Sonny. Don’t nobody sing me no sad songs about my Lord!
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