Payback Time

Payback Time
Composer(s): Charlie Daniels
Performer(s): Charlie Daniels



The hero in the big white house
Shakes his head and moans about
The misery of his fellow man
Just as though he really cared
While the hand he holds behind his back
Conceals the truth from those he is deceivin'
The camera rolls another reel
While the robots on the hill
Are dashing madly to and fro
Smiling at the status quo
While in the secret, smoke-filled rooms
They sell the very air that you are breathing
When it's payback time
And you take that final ride
When there is no place to run to
And there ain't no place to hide
The supreme court of the universe
Where justice is not blind
And no prisoners will be taken
When it's payback time
Another day, another knife
Another precious unborn life
Will never see the light of day
Will never run or jump or play
It's just another sacrifice
To that greenback god of choice you are serving
Their blood cries out to be avenged
And someday you will cower and cringe
Where the books don't lie and the judge don't deal
No high-priced lawyers to appeal
Where the verdict is eternal
And you can't escape the verdict you're deserving
When it's payback time and heaven rules supreme
When your gold and silver's worthless
And you stand before the King
When your nightmares are reality
And there is no exit sign
And it's too late for repentance
When it's payback time
The sun comes up the pendulum swings
And each new frightening morning brings
The children's cries, the cannon roar
More loudly than the day before
The wax of time is drippin' down
From both ends of that candle burning brightly
A mighty shout, a trumpet blast
When the last is first and the first is last
The world is hushed and time stands still
And the final chapter is fulfilled
The sky will part each knee will bow
To greet the awesome hour of His returning
When it's payback time
And the sheep are gathered in
When the roll is called up yonder
And eternity begins
When the wedding supper's ready
And the faithful called to dine
Who'll be sitting at the table
When it's payback time
Payback time