I first heard Iris Dement sing this live, before she made a name for herself. I'm still looking for her recording of the song, which is supposed to be on an import CD single. I finally found it on the 1996 Rounder "Rosie Flores - Honky Tonk Reprise" CD. I suppose it's not a folk song, but it's SUCH a good song. Rosie's diction isn't as clear as Iris's, but here's what I was able to transcribe:
GOD MAY FORGIVE YOU (BUT I WON'T) (Harlan Howard-Bobby Braddock) You say that you're born again Cleansed of your former sins You want me to say I'll forgive and forget But you've done too much to me, Don't you be touchin' me Go back and touch all those women you met. [chorus] God May Forgive You (But I Won't) Yes, Jesus loves you, but I don't. They don't have to live with you, Neither do I. You say that you're born again Well, so am I God May Forgive You (But I Won't) I won't even try. The kids used to cry for you, I had to try to do Things that a dad should do, Since you were gone. You really let us down You may be heaven-bound But you made one hell of a mess Here at home. [chorus]^^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc7RcVqJ6Gk
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