I learned the lessons at my mama's knee
About our sins and our salvation
Every joy a boy should try to avoid

About the devil and temptation

And I've tried to ride that road to grace

But shortcuts have been taken
That list of sins runs pages long
And of a few I have partaken


Like sometimes I swear up a blue streak
Four letter words pour out like rain

But will the pearly gates slam down on me
Just cause I took the Lord's name in vain?


I try to play it straight, but sometimes swerve
Try to stare down the evil, but lose my nerve
I'm not saying that heaven's what I deserve

But God I hope you're grading on a curve

Greed and envy, pride and lust?

I'm afraid I know them well
And if a 12 pack counts as gluttony
I may be going straight to hell


Cause sometimes I drink a bit too much
The bible calls that intemperance

But compared to the thieves and killers man
There's gotta be a difference


I try to play it straight, but sometimes swerve
Try to stare down the evil, but lose my nerve
I'm not saying that heaven's what I deserve

But God I hope you're grading on a curve

I've been known to covet

My neighbour's house, I love it
I want all that he's got
He's all that I'm not

I'll take the whole lot
His life, his wife
That girl's smokin' hot


I try to play it straight, but sometimes swerve
Try to stare down the evil, but lose my nerve

I'm not saying that heaven's what I deserve
Bu when my final test is taken
And I'm there between the saints and Satan

Dear God I just hope you'll be grading on a curve