Sorry JD, missed your post the first time around. To state the obvious (and I don't mean to nitpick), the tune is the same, though obviously the words are quite different!

It seems as if the original version was written by Ronn D. Glosson (IPI #00143469469) -- find it on BMI under ISWC T9040308029 -- and controlled by AL JOLSON BLACK AND WHITE MUSIC and SOUNDING BOARD SONGS. A bio of Ronald "Ronn" Dale Glosson (1949-2024) can be found here.

Glosson is credited as the songwriter of the version performed by "The Glory Bugles" (Nan Gurley, Wayne Gurley, Bonnie Keen, and Steve Pippin), a satirical gospel quartet active from the 1980s through the 2000s. A 2008 skit rendition can be heard here, with a similar performance on Spotify from their 2022 album, "Get Right or Get Left" (order) and is transcribed below.

The song is most closely associated with the Bugles, and with Ray Stevens, who performed the song in a trio version (with identical lyrics to the first line and chorus) in 1989, which can be seen here (San Francisco Chronicle, February 26th, 1989, Datebook, p. 45), but was apparently floating around Nashville as a popular demo tape in the sixties (Bill Anderson, I Hope You're Living As High On the Hog as the Pig You Turned Out To Be, p. 55). I'd adjust the date a touch just based on Glosson's birthyear, so let's settle on late 1960s/early 1970s.

I assume either Stevens or The Glory Bugles are the "humorless version, from religious singers" you referenced in your initial post? Maybe not as funny as Billy's, but knowing it's ironic may help, at least. Billy has an added stanza which he apparently varies from show to show that I'll add separately.



IF YOUR HAIR'S TOO LONG
(Ronn D. Glosson)

A rich young ruler came one day to ask about the narrow way
But his hair was long, and he couldn't be saved
The preacher looked at him through tears and said "Your problem's on your ears"
If your hair's too long, there's sin in your heart

CHORUS
If your hair's on your ears, there's sin in your heart
Get it cut today, and make a new start
You'll live a life of fear and dread with a tangled mess upon your head
If your hair's too long, there's sin in your heart

My friend if you would enter there, you'll not go there with your long hair
If your hair's too long, ther?'s sin in your heart
You'll be left behind with those I fear who wear their hair upon their ears
If your hair's too long, there's sin in your heart

CHORUS