Hello folks,
A friend of mine, John Cionca wrote this tune a few years ago, and I would like to see if some of y'all can help me with the chords, and I'll post the lyrics here on the Hangout. This song is about John Wayne "Punkin'" Brown, a serpent handling minister of a "signs-following" church in Alabama.
The only state that still allows serpent handling in services is in the state of West Virginia, in the small community of Jolo, WV. The video attached with the song features legendary serpent handler Dewey Chafin, who his self has been bit bit by rattlers over 150 times, and has never once seeked medical treatment to treat the venom. Dewey can be seen @ 3:59.
Here's a audio clip, so you can hear how the song is played: Punkin' Brown
Here are the lyrics as follows:
Punkin' Brown was a preacher, the hellfire shoutin' kind
He preached about damnation, for cheatin', lust, and lyin'
Then he'd sing "Amazing Grace" and "How Sweet The Sound"
A pulpit thumpin' backwoods preacher, Punkin' Brown
Punkin' had a small church in the hills of Tennessee
His only book, the Bible, read letter "KJV"
And resting on the altar, with the sign that Jesus saves
A pine box full of rattlesnakes to test the handler's faith
Chorus:
Punkin' Brown, Punkin' Brown
They came to see him testify from the hollers all around
Punkin' Brown, Punkin' Brown
A serpent handlin' backwoods preacher, Punkin' Brown
He preached against the vices of demon, rum and dance
A sin of women painted up in fancy clothes and pants
Gamblin' , shiny fingernails and movies on the town
The playground of the devil to Punkin' Brown
The spirit moved upon him with every word he said
He reached into that serpent box and grabbed a rattler's head
The church was screamin' Glory on that hot and humid night
With tambourines and guitars playin' "I Saw The Light"
Chorus
As Punkin' Brown danced around a battered pulpit stand
A tempered rattler sank a fang into his twisted hand
While shoutin' "Glory Glory!" he laid the serpent down
Then dropping to the sawdust floor, Punkin' Brown
The room was deathly quiet as the congregation prayed
But Punkin' took the big bite, for him the price was paid
You sinners all take warning, at least take my advice
If your faith not be strong enough, you'd better think it twice
Chorus
A serpent handlin' backwoods preacher, Punkin' Brown
I hope y'all enjoy this one, it's weird, but I like it.
Let me know what you think. Hopefully I'll be able to get some help from y'all with the chords.
Thank you.
~Craig