I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS

Words and music: Luther G. Presley
[Note: This is the light, country waltz tune,
not the slower "I Would Rather Have Jesus."]

[Dad's key: C] Suggested capo: 1st fret

Verse 1
Men (D)strive for the wealth of this (G)wide, wicked (D)world,
They (A)seek after honor and (D)fame.
So (D)lavishly sporting their (G)diamonds and (D)pearls,
They (A/E)put our dear (E7)Savior to (A)shame.

Chorus
But I'd (D)rather live in Heaven
Than to (D/A)have all their (A)silver and (G)gold(D).
I'd (G)rather have (D)Jesus,
Than the (E7)diamonds of a palace to (A7)hold!
I'd (D)rather be a beggar,
Live (G)in a little shack by the (D)road,
Than to (D)have (A)all Earth's (D)treasures
With no (D)title to a (A7)Heavenly a(D)bode(G)-(D).

Verse 2
They (D)seem not to know that their (G)treasures will (D)rust,
And (A)thieves often break through and (D)steal.
Con(D)tented with pleasure, they (G)follow their (D)lust,
With (A/E)sorrow their (E7)destinies (A)seal.

[Repeat Chorus]

Verse 3
What (D)profit is found in Earth's (G)silver and (D)gold?
How (A)sad at the close of life's (D)day,
If (D)for the exchange you must (G)lose your own (D)soul,
From (A/E)Heaven's door (E7)be turned a(A)way.

[Repeat Chorus]

[Alternate Chorus:]
But I'd (D)rather live in Heaven
Than to (D/A)have all their (A)silver and (G)gold(D).
I'd (G)rather have (D)Jesus,
Than a (E7)palace full of diamonds to (A7)hold!
I'd (D)rather be a beggar,
Live (G)in a little trailer on the (D)road,
[or: a little tent by the (D)road]
Than to (D)have (A)all Earth's (D)treasures
But no (D)title to a (A7)Heavenly a(D)bode(G)-(D).

Listing of All Chords in This Song