Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore
John Prine
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While digesting Reader's Digest in the back of a dirty book store A plastic flag, with gum on the back fell out on the floor Well, I picked it up and I ran outside, slapped it on my window shield And if I could see old Betsy Ross I'd tell her how good I feel But your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore They're already overcrowded from your dirty little war Now Jesus don't like killin', no matter what the reason's for And your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore Well, I went to the bank this morning and the cashier he said to me "If you join the Christmas club we'll give you ten of them flags for free" Well, I didn't mess around a bit, I took him up on what he said And I stuck them stickers all over my car and one on my wife's forehead But your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore They're already overcrowded from your dirty little war Now Jesus don't like killin', no matter what the reason's for And your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore Well, I got my window shield so filled with flags I couldn't see So, I ran the car upside a curb and right into a tree By the time they got a doctor down I was already dead And I'll never understand why the man standing in the pearly gates said "But your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore We're already overcrowded from your dirty little war" "Now Jesus don't like killin', no matter what the reason's for And your flag decal won't get you into Heaven anymore"
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10 facts about this song
Artist Related"Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore" is a song by American country folk singer-songwriter John Prine.
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Album InformationThe song is from Prine's self-titled debut album, "John Prine," which was released in 1971.
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Song ThemeThe song is a satirical commentary on excessive patriotism, specifically during the Vietnam War era. It criticizes the idea that patriotic symbols can be used for personal gain or salvation.
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Song RecognitionIt is one of Prine's most recognized songs and it often described as a socio-political anthem for its clear and poignant message.
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ControversyDue to its touch on sensitive issues such as patriotism and the Vietnam War, the song sparked controversy upon its release.
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SongwritingPrine wrote the song in the midst of the Vietnam War. He said he conceived the song after seeing flag decals being given away at a local gas station.
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InfluencesThe narrative style Prine used in the song was influenced by Bob Dylan, with whom he is often compared.
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Live PerformancesPrine often played this song during his live performances and it has even been played at antiwar rallies.
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TributeFollowing Prine's death in April 2020, many artists performed covers of "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore" as a tribute, reinforcing the song's lasting influence.
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Song's ReachDespite never being a commercial hit, the song's message resonated widely and made the song a favorite among Prine fans and even among other musicians.
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Citation
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"Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 15 Jan. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2853519/John+Prine/Your+Flag+Decal+Won%27t+Get+You+into+Heaven+Anymore>.
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