John Prine - "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" (Live)

John Prine tells it like it is in his classic protest song "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" from John's 2010 release, In Person & On Stage.
In Person & On Stage available here: fanlink.to/inpersononstage
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Lyrics:
While digesting Reader's Digest in the back of a dirty book store
A plastic flag, with gum on the back fell out on the floor
Well, I picked it up and I ran outside, slapped it on my window shield
And if I could see old Betsy Ross I'd tell her how good I feel
But your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore
They're already overcrowded from your dirty little war
Now Jesus don't like killin', no matter what the reason's for
And your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore
Well, I went to the bank this morning and the cashier he said to me
"If you join the Christmas club we'll give you ten of them flags for free"
Well, I didn't mess around a bit, I took him up on what he said
And I stuck them stickers all over my car and one on my wife's forehead
But your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore
They're already overcrowded from your dirty little war
Now Jesus don't like killin', no matter what the reason's for
And your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore
Well, I got my window shield so filled with flags I couldn't see
So, I ran the car upside a curb and right into a tree
By the time they got a doctor down I was already dead
And I'll never understand why the man standing in the pearly gates said
"But your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore
We're already overcrowded from your dirty little war"
"Now Jesus don't like killin', no matter what the reason's for
And your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore"

[@kyspaceman]

If John Prine isn't in Heaven, then I don't want to go there.

[@Sheriffryewhiskey]

You just ten times winner ....

[@safetydave720]

When I was homeless in 1995 I went to a church as I was passing through Virginia looking for food and the priest said he couldn't help me. I said cant I just have a piece of bread. He shook his head, can you imagine? I heard this song not long after that and it made me think of the no good priest. I started singing it with some different words. "But your Jesus cross wont get you into heaven anymore....." Thanks John, you helped me on my lonesome search for a home.

[@johac7637]

It's sad as they don't understand what Matthew 25;31-46 in the words of Jesus means.

[@pennybailey6359]

Please don't let the actions of this "priest" skew your opinion of a true christian...

[@johac7637]

@@pennybailey6359 I really see the teachings of Jesus as telling us to know him, not just about him, and then our actions, in every aspect of our lives, our families, if we are the leaders in one, and at every encounter with a fellow human, He Jesus even said to love our enemies, and those that hate, hurt us, that a big order, but Jesus told us what to do. So each of us need to be mindful of our reactions to those that mistreat us. And sadly what our leadership in America has shown, we are not much of a bright lite to the world.

[@richardmullins2850]

If the priest reads this judgement day is coming and you can not hide from God

[@thenightporter]

David, I am so heartbroken and angry that you were treated like that when you were were at such a lonely point in your life. I hope that things are going better for you now.

[@robbabcock_]

RIP, John Prine. He may be gone but his music will never die.

[@charlieboxxo]

he's having his Vodka and Ginger Ale and kissing the girl on the Tilt-a-Whirl

[@lvtiguy226]

Amen!

[@jonarment1229]

This song is timeless. I'm blazing this track loud enough the neighbors are probably thanking me... at least it looks like they're saying "Thank you". Thank you for everything, John Prine.

[@gailenefuller8330]

LoL

[@MrDorbel]

John 'ain't gone, he just won't be playing live! Celebrate this life.

[@jaydub3040]

Paul Money -Well Stated...All the best!!

[@bobm549]

For some reason beyond , that just stuck me . Thanks for the thought Paul .

[@lanapalij4014]

You’re spot on!!!

[@holymountaineer9325]

Rest In Peace John. The flag decal won't get you into heaven, but bein' John Prine will get you into heaven.

[@karaamundson3964]

100 on that

[@drepage4857]

😭😭😭😭

[@edrenajones5960]

I don’t know -he might’ve gone on to the Summerlands and wallered in the clover. Nikkid.

[@holymountaineer9325]

@@drepage4857 Also a good afterlife choice.

[@jimraub943]

AMEN, BROTHER

[@itsjustaridelife5345]

Oh that poor John Prine has no idea how many sleepless nights his music has been a comfort through the bull shit yet beautifulness that is this planet. When our poets met music, thus was born Steve Goodman and John Prine. American Heroes for our true truth and beauty

[@pcoffey49]

Chicago Shorty....R.I.P.!

[@larrywangerow4703]

Itsjustaride life i know john ...he went to a high school just north of my high school and 5 yrs older but the earl of oldtown was one of my regular hangoits kristopherson goodman bob gibson lots of great music ...across the street " second city improv John balushi bill murry more...

[@biscuit809]

Stick around, John. We need you more than ever.

[@robertfeldgus850]

YES!!!!

[@irishhubie]

Itsjustaride life 💜

[@clarencestubbs1442]

This great song from an Army veteran, and a National treasure to America's blue collars!

[@martinmcdonald4207]

R.I.P. John Prine. The very best of America. Love from Ireland.

[@susiemoore-ratliff5]

One of the first songs I learned to play on the guitar....this man was a genius....

[@brandonshaw7619]

This song should be played on all the radio stations broadcasting in Mississippi

[@jessicamarcott5374]

This song should be played on radio stations broadcasting across America. I heart radio stations

[@taosmagazine305]

RIP to one of the Greatest. Godspeed John Prine...

[@patrioticamericana3270]

So fitting Mr Prine the Patriot Song Writer of his day,told the Stories America didn't want to here Danny Richards Liquid Poetry Springfield Illinois

[@dustinsmomma1062]

Rest in Paradise John Prine

[@NewarkBay357]

R.I.P. John Prine...A true American Folk Hero!!!

[@stevendam4300]

R.I.P. John thanks, remember you. Love form Zwanenburg Holland

[@lillyboldlyshewhispers7145]

💔🕊️ Soar with the Angels John Prine. Your music will always remain in my heart.

[@cynthiabitto1140]

R.I.P. John. Heaven got an angel from Montgomery via Chicago tonight.

[@kristinashull6568]

Truer now than ever. Rest in Power, John.

[@manuelascordino3380]

I listen to you everyday, John. You sing what many of us are feeling. RIP

[@northernwitch3626]

John Prine passed away today from Covid-19. The world is infinitely colder and darker now that you've left us, John. Rest In Power And Peace.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

How could a world that knew both John Prine and Steve Goodman be colder and darker. They always gave a glimmer of light.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

How could a world that knew both John Prine and Steve Goodman be colder and darker. They always gave a glimmer of light.

[@sunshinedomanico1205]

Rest In Paradise Mr. Prine.... You live on through your great music💜🎶💜🎶

[@jaesbow]

A comment here reminded me of a friend who was in Navy boot camp in the late ‘60s. They got 1 day off to go into Chicago. There was a snowstorm but he went anyway. It turned into a blizzard. A cabbie took him to a club. There were a dozen people, and Prine and Goodman! He said they sat around playing for almost 4 hours!

[@northernwitch3626]

@@jaesbow Nice! We should all be so lucky.

[@timparichan784]

RIP John Prine, you brought a lot of joy to my life

[@1119714]

Godspeed John Prine. Thank you for all you gave and shared.

[@armaloney1]

John, I sure pray you get that cocktail and that cigarette. We will keep playing your music down here. You got a band to get going up there in heaven. ❤️🥃

[@grandmachristine42]

John Prine, you are so exceedingly cool and I do remember the days eons ago when you used to stop at the park in Nashville and sing and play for us hippie layabouts. When I try to tell people about all the great musicians that we got to hear informally (meaning free) in living rooms and at the park, they don't believe. It does sound outlandish -- John Prine! Townes Van Zandt! Guy Clark! Steve Earle! My kids remember though and I bet you do too. Thank you-

[@LyndaGCline]

!

[@Caperhere]

What memories! Was Steve Goodman ever there?

[@christinepark1621]

@@Caperhere (YT changed my name) not that i know of but there were many people whose names i didn't know

[@YANOLA69]

The good ole days. I'm the YaYa from 12th and Porter.

[@cindyschneider4728]

Dear God! What a line up!

[@ribeye41]

I just heard about John.....now I have an Illegal Smile in honor of his gift that he gave to us all. RIP

[@alanabridgewatermusic]

Rest In Peace John Prine. May you and your guitar keep the angels dancing.

[@langstongrandma]

R.I.P., John Prine. How you will be missed!!

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Thank you for the years of great music, John. Rest in peace, my musical friend.

[@montyfrazier3818]

So very grateful for you John. Language will not convey what you mean to so many. Fantastic show..Juneau 1983

[@jessicazoubek9678]

I normally don't listen to country songs but I have been recently listening to his songs and his lyrics tell such funny, good stories. Its sad I had to learn about his music after his passing

[@4orrcountry]

John's way more folk than country.

[@chemical71]

At least you found it though. ❤

[@ArcoZakus]

As the saying goes, better late than never.

[@jeffgriffin7338]

John's Music isn't country its human soul Music.

[@55whiplash]

I was a bit younger than Mr Prine, but I sure do remember all those American flags appearing on cars. Happy to say, not on our car, but I was too young to get the connection.

[@pc7573]

Sure do miss him.

[@dianehopkins8254]

may his spirit soar. Thanks for the music John.

[@lislezehner9518]

Listening to this on Good Friday afternoon. “ Jesus don’t like killing no matter what the reasons for”. I know where John is. I only hope to join him there someday where the music never stops.

[@witchofravenswood]

Prayers for John, he has been hospitalized from covid 19.

[@JD-wx8ik]

That hurt

[@mark1952able]

good vibes headed to John

[@ryanhall6510]

RIP hope you make it back to Paradise.

[@charlesjohnson5967]

Rest in Peace, John. Thanks for all the music. You were one of the greats. The world is a little sadder place today.

[@akumakorgar]

God keep your soul, John - rest in peace.

[@RandyMiller-tx5cz]

MR.PRINE that's all I have to say .THANK YOu

[@morningbear5600]

LOVE this song, remember when it first came out!

[@monpayscanada]

You are as old as I am friend!

[@heber0101]

I remember the Reader's Digest and those flag decals. My mother had the subscription (not me). And I was in college and avoiding the 'opportunity' to go to Southeast Asia. The first album was a wonderful thing.

[@warrenb2856]

Now Jesus don't like killing not matter what the reasons for. I hope to see John.

[@danalongstreth261]

You are in heaven for sure ...for all the love in your music. Hey , god said to you , John it’s about time , come on in and let’s sing a song

[@karaamundson3964]

My heart is broken. He was one of a kind...a beautiful, beautiful guy.

[@tomromkey5891]

JFKbuffybuffyb uffy st marie

[@MrFyrsout]

Been listening to John since the early 80's

[@davidstokes925]

Probably the first song that made me fall in love with the writing of this man!

[@paulreiche2746]

John Prine has been contemporary since 1968 and will be until forever, he knew some things 'never will'

[@nancymcbride7153]

RIP John. Your talents will be remembered and cherished.

[@RimfireRat]

One of the greatest

[@scottbradentx]

Still relevant today!

[@bben3971]

Hang on, John. We need you.

[@eastwoodwinecellar8575]

Rest in peace You are Standing on Peaceful Waters now John.

[@texasburbie]

Wordsmith extraordinaire! RIP, John!

[@GeorgiaGrowGuy]

If you didn't pick up the "to me of all people" you need to listen to the original 10 times and come back and listen to this version again. It is the icing, whip cream, and cherry on a song that could not have gotten get any better, but John squeezed the best part of the song out with that lyric.

[@conradmcdavid6154]

@GGG I caught the meaning of that sly input also 😊

[@LoiSPiskorz]

He comes up with the best true to life stories.

[@dalekidd8431]

And he lived the life he sings!!!☯️

[@LoiSPiskorz]

@@dalekidd8431 yes. I'm hooked on him.🎼🎧🎶😁

[@graham2631]

Thank you for getting me through some of the hardest time's of my life John. My little bro was 'sam stone' 20y later l can allmost listen with out tears. Play a tune to Odin for me

[@charlesanderson1855]

Hang in there John.

[@SAMZIRRA]

My dad used to sing this song to us growing up. He loved John. God bless my dad and John.

[@willowbug2115]

John has gone to heaven. RIP.

[@karaamundson3964]

😳💔😳

[@keith2092]

..you two. you never listened. he mocked it. newbies. idiots. prine would tell you .."I don't believe in shit."

[@montyfrazier3818]

So very grateful to you John. Language will not convey what you meant to so many for so long

[@karenhall-gist6966]

You know the world so well and sing all about it so well!

[@dermotmeuchner2416]

Just like Mencken and Debs, John Prine was a truth teller.

[@Holymakinaw]

Goodbye John. Thanks for all the great music. You were amazing.

[@earljurgeluks3387]

You are what you are and you ain’t what you ain’t. Thank you John for the life you lead.

[@leahhart4355]

Oh my broken heart! 😭💔 You will fondly be remembered by so many. Rest in Peace. Now you can as Jesus in person about those “lost” years. ☮️

[@rosemaryb-c4927]

Pray for John Prine, in critical condition this hour, with the Covid Virus 19. Play his songs...

[@honkytonkdragon]

Been listening all night, Rosemary.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@Mary Tricia McGregor just look on his home Twitter page for John prine they're doing a good job of even if you don't have a Twitter account you could peek in and read.. you just can't comment but can read tweets

[@loucat2779]

listening all night on 4/5 ,John's a tough old bird , not counting him out!

[@mark1952able]

Rosemary B-C; Thank You for your comment! I'm with you and I'm sure many more. John Prime is a very very special human. Musician of course, but more than that, like I said, a very special human. Get better John!

[@1119714]

John Prine has passed away. Godspeed John. ❤🙏❤

[@joelstein4657]

God how I miss the days when music was more than noise. It was a way of life.

[@TheGamingAltar]

You should look into Brandi Carlile her and Mr. Prine we’re good friends!

[@marrianner.1682]

Nobody can write storytelling songs like he did! What a loss!

[@kickstandhd1348]

PRAYERS TO JOHN AND HIS FAMILY!!! JOHN WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR MUSIC, YOU'RE AN AMERICAN TREASURE!!!!! GET WELL SOON MY MAN WE NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER IN THESE TRYING TIMES!!!!

[@maryokeefe6530]

RIP John. We will be missing you 😢

[@maureenmccann6944]

Missing you in Ireland John. R.I.P.

[@marybetz1775]

Love ❤️ this. Thank you 😊. You are great.

[@omazzola]

Wow... just learning about this tune... I'm assuming it will go over millions of peoples heads. Sorry to have just learned about you Mr. Prine... I look forward to exploring the musical legacy you left behind.

[@danwarburton3140]

R.I.P. Your music will continue to inspire several generations.

[@darrenjenkins3613]

From Wales uk ❤John Prine on point every time just wow RIP top man now back T- trying to play some of your amazing songs on the Acoustic thank you

[@vonnatkins4942]

John Prine was the greatest song writer ever, his songs will live on forever I'm sure......god speed john

[@pamiam4324]

The world will miss the likes of you JP....RIP

[@annanances]

Sure going to miss you, John. :(

[@thatonedude5667]

Thanks for the music Mr. Prine.

[@kenheard5693]

Powerful beautiful songs which overshadow the senseless songs of today that promote violence and destruction.

[@kellyjoeraymusic]

LOVE IT...PS Thanks again for your service...It took real nads to write this at the time...I always said I became a Submariner because football, baseball and basketball only requires ONE BALL...

[@DollyTheLlama]

Rest in Peace, Mr. Prine. You were one of my dad's favorites and brought so much joy to our home.

[@timemachine2525]

RIP ;( heaven get an awesome concert tonight!

[@petergeorge24]

John is enjoying a vodka and ginger ale right now. Love you John!

[@shirleyjennings5787]

Great Tune!

[@paystarbuzzy]

An illegal smile is the only good looking thing on my face some days. He was one for the ages. His best song far and away is "Paradise."

[@brianboys2950]

love you john from Canada rip

[@patriciaitalia]

I was a teenager when I first heard John. I'm 64 now and feel like I've lost one of my best friends. Gonna miss you, John. Say hi to God for me.

[@lisamalone5219]

Fabulous RIP John Prine 🌹 💔

[@redneckprofessor1]

So glad I got to see him before we lost him! It will be a lot less fun without your presence! He was the grandfather of Americana music!

[@keithschmidt6418]

John Prine is by far a man who knew what was what, and he is in paradise now i reckon.R I P. JOHN PRINE.

[@jaesbow]

Paradise? I thought Mister Peabody hauled it away.

[@redneckprofessor1]

You really are fortunate! What a group! All gone but Steve! I’m a fan of them all!

[@mikecarv5351]

John Prine! You will never be forgotten! Thank You

[@sarabarden]

I am going to miss he songs that could have been.

[@imogensmith4557]

...missing him already....RIP

[@peterdavidson1522]

Ah shit; you can overcome this John, lots of prayers to you get tough you can do it

[@jerrybarnett8310]

Such a sad day!!! Thanks John for all the souvenirs!!!

[@montyfrazier3818]

Forever John

[@gerardlarkinhaverstock743]

May the great America songwriter R.I.P.

[@stephengaydos4346]

back in Oct 2019 I tried to get tickets for his June 2020 concert in NYC. SOLD OUT.