He got the devil around his finger
Jesus around his neck
No one wants him in this world
Or the fucking next
Don't you wanna know why?
Oh, don't you wanna know why?

He's gonna leave this world by anger
By gun smoke or by rope
Only ever loved a woman in his life
A little lady named Miss Anne Thrope
Don't you wanna know why?
Oh, don't you wanna know why?

'Cause Jesus in the courtyard telling lies
Jesus in the courtyard telling lies
Satan's in the cornfield starting fires
Jesus in the courtyard telling lies
Oh Lord, Oh Lord

He's all dressed in black as midnight
Your funeral's his church
Your misery's his company
Your sorrow is his hearse
Don't you wanna know why?
Oh, don't you wanna know why?

Jesus will not save him
A savior will not rise
Satan kissed him on his cheek
Said his last goodbye
Don't you wanna know why?
Oh, don't you wanna know why?

'Cause Jesus in the courtyard telling lies
Jesus in the courtyard telling lies
Satan's in the cornfield starting fires
Jesus in the courtyard telling lies
Oh Lord, Oh Lord