Heaven Won't Take Him (country rock) Donna/Vic

[Donna]

Something a bit countryish for a change.    Vic's voice reminds me a lot of Johnny Cash's.
I wonder whether he's considered it a mixed blessing...

Music/arrangement/instruments/vocals: Vic Arnold
Lyrics: Donna Devine

Heaven Won't Take Him

(v1)
Big John's back
And he's walkin' taller
Him on the street
Makes the town seem smaller
They run him out
When he was seventeen
Like his daddy
He grew up mean

Chorus
Now he's a stranger, and he's packin' danger
So you better not leave him at large
Heaven won't take him
And hell wants to shake him
'Cause the devil's afraid he'll take charge

(v2)
Big John's here
And he's up to no good
A shadow stalkin'
The whole neighbourhood
Knows who he wants
And he's makin' him sweat
There's plenty of time
But it ain't time yet

Chorus
Now he's a stranger, and he's packin' danger
So you better not leave him at large
Heaven won't take him
And hell wants to shake him
'Cause the devil's afraid he'll take charge

Bridge
He wasn't guilty, he just looked too tough
And when a town needs a whippin' boy
The eyes are enough
He mighta been wild but he never hurt that child
And after ten years in prison for a crime not his
He's back and he's gonna be doin' one that is

Chorus
Now he's a stranger, and he's packin' danger
So you better not leave him at large
Heaven won't take him
And hell wants to shake him
'Cause the devil's afraid he'll take charge

Outro
He's mean...
You're gonna be sorry...
Here he comes...
Watch out...

[Studioplayer]

Yeah I lke his voice. I need to do another country tune. Sounds great Donna. 

[Donna]

Thanks, Dave. 
This was a fun one to do.

For sure, we need to team up for another country tune! 

Donna

[stoman]

It does sound a lot like Johnny Cash, indeed. Not only the voice, but the whole song. Great work again, Donna. I don't like hard core country, but I do like this style. A lot!

Regards,
  Steffen

[stoman]

BTW: The beginning reminds me of Telly Savala's version of "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" (just the style and the voice).

Regards,
  Steffen

[Donna]

Thanks, Steffen. 

Yes, some country styles are easier on the ears than others. 

Donna

[Billy]

Certainly does sound like the man in black. A very interesting and passionate man and I recommend a film called 'Walk The Line' which stars Joaqhim Phoenix in the title role (excuse my spelling). He did his own vocals for the role. A terrific film.

The song plays out nicely and Vic does deliver the vocal in much the same way that Mr. Cash would. I would have liked to have heard a twangy lead guitar replying to some of Vic's lines but other than that, nicely done.

Right at the end of the song - the dead space? There's a sound like someone swinging at the end of a rope (as in a hanged man) Nice idea. Very macabre and just a hint of tongue in cheek (I guess that's what happens to your tongue after being hanged)  .

I thought the bridge was wonderfully put, Donna.

Billy.

[CosmicDolphin]

This is really well put together and authentic sounding  , sounds alot like JC to me too.

CD

[Donna]

Billy and CD, thank you for listening and for your comments. 

Billy, I agree, "Walk the Line" was a wonderful film. Renee Witherspoon did her own singing as well. It was most impressive.

Thanks for your comment about the bridge. Someone elsewhere had objected to it (i.e. mention of the child), but we was soundly over-ruled. 

I don't know whether Vic left that last bit in intentionally, but I'm glad it contributed to your enjoyment of the song. 

Donna

[Errol]

Really enjoyed listening to this. Yes, the vocals are great. He'd be popular at this site! Very nice lyrics and tune too.