The Christian Thing (featuring Eliza Gilkyson and Terry Allen)

by Jono Manson

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about

"It's a folk gospel tune for complicated times" says singer/songwriter and producer Jono Manson of The Christian Thing. He wrote the song "as a response to those who would presume to talk the talk, but never walk the walk", adding "What matters in the end is how you actually live your life and treat others, regardless of what beliefs, or lack thereof, you profess".

For this recording he enlisted the help of two friends; twice Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and activist Eliza Gilkyson and "modern day renaissance man" musician/visual artist Terry Allen, who both agreed to share the lead vocals with Manson.

"I love this song. It expresses exactly how I feel, reclaiming an ethical and compassionate stance at a time when basic moral tenets of faith have been usurped by haters.” - Eliza Gilkyson

"This song is so religious, if you don’t listen to it you'll probably go to hell." - Terry Allen

lyrics

I have been to Bethlehem and up on Calvary
But I don't believe a son of God was born and died for me
Still I have read your bible, Old Testament and New
Between the lines, I have divined, the Christian thing to do

I seek no prize in Heaven, nor fear the fires of hell
I will not join the holy war against your infidel
But I will fight for freedom, for happiness and truth
I will soldier on for peace; the Christian thing to do

And when my brother's homeland is torn apart by war
I will not leave him starving, outside the golden door
I will open wide the gates and let him pass right through
And love him as I would myself; the Christian thing to do

Love is my salvation, I need no second birth
I still believe in paradise, here upon the earth
With conscience as my compass, my heart will know the route
And I'll strive walk in righteousness; the Christian thing to do.

credits

released May 1, 2019
Words and Music by Jono Manson
Magic Request Music/BMI

Ronnie Johnson - Bass guitar
Jason Crosby - Keyboards
Jon Graboff - Pedal Steel
Mark Clark - Drums
Jono Manson - Electric guitars, Tenor guitar, Vocal
Eliza Gilkyson - Vocal
Terry Allen - Vocal

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about

Jono Manson Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Manson attacks the high art of low-rent songcraft with a paid assassin’s precision.”- No Depression Magazine

"...instant-grabber hooks and smartly constructed riffs, shiny melodies and warm harmonies, confident, seductive vocal performances and intelligent, relatable story lines." - Relix Magazine

"Jono Manson has arrived as a legend at album number ten." - American Songwriter Magazine ... more

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