Smoky Ridge

[Verse 1]
I took a wrong turn up in Smoky Ridge,
Lookin' for some BBQ and maybe a fishin’ bridge.
Heard singin’ in the holler, so I followed the sound,
Found a church with a banjo and folks jumpin’ around!

[Verse 2]
The preacher said, "Welcome! Don’t be shy,
We got fire in our bones and heaven in the sky!"
Then he yelled, "Brother Earl, bring out the crate!"
And Earl pulled out not just one rattler- but eight

[Chorus]
Now I ain’t scared of preachin’ or a good ol’ gospel shout,
But when that crate popped open, I was lookin’ for a way out!
They passed that snake like passin' out fried chicken,
And I ran out hollerin', pushing, and kicking.

[Verse 3]
Sister May started dancin’ with a copperhead,
Her beehive hairdo almost knocked me dead.
The tambourines flew, folks were speakin’ in rhymes,
And the offerin' plate got passed seven times!

[Bridge]
Now Granny played washboard in a rocking chair,
And the Spirit hit Jed, he ran clean outta there!
They said, “That’s just normal, boy, now don’t you flee,”
But my soul AND my sneakers were pushin' me

[Chorus]
Now I ain’t judgin’ worship or their Pentecostal toast,
But when the deacon hissed at me, I turned white as a ghost!
I said, “Y’all got Spirit alright, but I’m headin’ down the coast,
Cause the spirit you got ain't the Holy Ghost."

[Outro]
So if you’re ever drivin’ through a ridge real steep,
And you hear a banjo playin’ where the willows weep…
Just bless ‘em and wave, don’t get too close—
Cause the spirit they got ain't the Holy Ghost.

Southern Gospel country