This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research.


      IF I GIVE MY SOUL
        Written and performed by Billy Joe Shaver


Verse 1:
      D                                G                  D 
	Down a dangerous road, I have come to where I'm standing
                                                      A
	With a heavy heart, and my hat clutched in my hand
                        D               G                D   
	Such a foolish fool, God ain't known no greater sinner
                 G                 D           A             D         
	I have come in search of Jesus, hoping He will understand


Verse 2:
      D                              G                D  
	I had a woman once, she was kind and she was gentle
                                                A
	Had a child by me, who grew up to be a man
                        D          G             D  
	I had a steady job, til I started into drinking
                G              D              A                D   
	And I started making music that went with the devil's band


Verse 3:
      D                    G                        D     
	Oh the years flew by like a mighty rush of eagles
                        G                              A
	My dreams and plans were all scattered in the wind
                         D              G                 D
	It's a lonesome life, when you lose the ones you live for
              G                   D              A             D
	If I make my peace with Jesus will they take me back again?


Chorus:
      D               G                                       D
	If I give my soul, will he cleanse these clothes i'm wearin'?
                      G                                 A  
	If I give my soul, will he put new boots on my feet?
                     D            G              D  
	If I bow my head and beg God for his forgiveness
                  G                   D                A            D  
	Will he breathe new breath inside me and give back my dignity?


Chorus bis:
      D               G                                D
	If I give my soul, will he stop my hands from shaking?
                      G                         A   
	If I give my soul,will my son love me again?
                      D             G              D   
	If I give my soul, and she knows I really mean it
              G                D             A             D      
	If I give my soul to Jesus will she take me back again?


Chorus bis.

      D       G                D             A             D 
	If I give my soul to Jesus will she take me back again?





Thanks to David M. Potter (dmp12@cornell.edu) for the lyrics.
Perret Charles-Amir : perret@math.univ-mlv.fr
                      http://soleil.univ-mlv.fr/~perret/country.html

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