Verse 1 Out past the cottonwoods down by the creek, Lived Simple Joe Jones, humble and meek. He tilled the red dirt, prayed for the rain, And thanked the Lord Jesus through hunger and pain. He’d quote from the Good Book, worn to the bone, Said, “God gives the increase—ain’t mine alone.” With Mary beside him and three barefoot boys, They’d sing psalms at sundown with laughter and joys. Chorus Two kinds o’ Joneses livin’ side by side, One builds his home where the rivers abide. The other keeps chasin’ that city’s bright light, While the cross looks foolish in the learned man’s sight. But the wisdom of Heaven don’t fit in a crown— It’s found in the dirt where the plow lays down. Verse 2 Up on the hill in a mansion of stone, Sat Doctor J. Jones, high-born and alone. He’d studied the classics, wore satin and lace, Talked of the future, the stars, and of space. His wife grew weary, his children grew wild, Trading their souls for the favor of style. They laughed at old Joe when they’d pass through the plain, But money can’t heal what pride can’t explain. Chorus Two kinds o’ Joneses livin’ side by side, One builds his home where the rivers abide. The other keeps chasin’ that city’s bright light, While the cross looks foolish in the learned man’s sight. But the wisdom of Heaven don’t fit in a crown— It’s found in the dirt where the plow lays down. Bridge Now Paul wrote a letter to Corinth one day, Said, “The wise of this world will just fade away. The cross looks like nonsense to them that are lost, But to us it’s the power of God in the cross.” He said, “Don’t boast in the strength of your mind, For the Spirit reveals what no scholar can find.” Verse 3 When drought hit the valley and silver turned dust, Old Doctor Jones’ empire crumbled to rust. But down by the creek Joe knelt in the clay, Still whisperin’, “Jesus will show us the way.” The banker rode out, said, “I pity your fate.” Joe smiled through the sweat, said, “My treasure can wait.” That night by the lantern, the family sang on, While Heaven kept time to their hallelujah song. Final Chorus Two kinds o’ Joneses, one rich, one poor, One built on sand, one built secure. The world calls him foolish, but Heaven knows best— God hides His truth from the proud and the blessed. So tip your hat low when you ride past that ground— For the wisdom of God is where grace is found. Tag (spoken or sung softly) “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, they’re vain,” Said Paul to the church on the Corinth plain. So don’t envy the wagons or the top-hatted tones— Be glad you’re the kind that’s the Good Lord’s Jones.
