The Story of Jim Jones

from Tompkins Park by Jack Symes

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lyrics

Central Indiana, 1931
Lynetta and James have a boy
They named him Junior
But hes not like them
Never was a fan of his kiddy toys

Sidewalk preacher,
Ten years old
Telling all the black folk we’re all equal
And boy they loved him
For his open heart
No one expected the boy was evil

Welcome to the story of Mr. Jimmy Jones
The man you heard of but do not know
The preacher man, the masochist, oh the truly troubled soul
Out to fix the whole world on his own.

Sunny California, a bus filled caravan
Salvation around the corner, the promised land
Just do as your told, whatever Father Jim says
Or he’ll beat you silly, yeah he’ll beat you cold

He loved his ladies, the fellas too
Thick or thin, black or gold.
But don’t you cross the father
Or he’ll strip you down
And stand you naked by the altar for the whole damn town.

Welcome to the story of Mr. Jimmy Jones
The man you heard of but do not know
The story not yet over, so the legend goes
Jim wrote himself a final note.

I’ve lost my mind, I’ve lost my way,
I can feel the People’s Temple falling.
For my final trick, let my tombstone read,
“Everybody in this whole world is my friend”

(Jim Jones’s Death Speech)

900 people, 900 graves,
The whole world watched and cried for them
I’ve seen their faces, I’ve read their names
Now it hurts to have to tell their story for them

Mr. Jim Jones was a monster
A classic disguise
He walked the same streets as you and I
But I think I love him
For opening my eyes
To the power of the villain we hold inside.

Welcome to the story of Mr. Jimmy Jones
The man you heard of but do not know

credits

from Tompkins Park, released March 26, 2021

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Jack Symes Los Angeles, California

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