The Topcoats

Verse 1

Papa, I know we haven't talked 

In quite a while.

And you've been a Father good and kind.

And I know you have a Favorite Child,

You call the Chosen One, Beloved Son—

I don't mind.

Exactly like you he was good and kind.

But in front of you stands 

A piece of work like me;

Here you welcomed me into your family.

But you know how some 

Adopted kids can be.

The circle is not broken but it's bent;

It's a mystery to me;

It's a misery to me.

Chorus

When you say "do," well then I won't.

When you say "don't,” 

Then that's all I want to do.

When you say "go," I tell you "no."

Refrain 1

I ain't like that baby meek and mild.

I am bewitched, bamboozled, 

And beguiled.

The Devil looks at me and he just smiles.

Yes, I confess — 

I am God's Problem Child.

I am God's Problem Child.

Verse 2

Papa, You are that shining city on a hill.

A Father giving guidance to the blind.

And I know you have a Book of Life,

In which my name is in; black and white—Since we are kin.

But the Book of Life put a big check 

By my name,

And those three red circles 

And the other marks bring me pain.

You say, “There's a two dogs 

A fightin' for control," 

"And the dog I feed the most’s 

The one that wins."

Still, you sit me in the corner,

I'm still a standin' in my mind.

It's a mystery to me;

It's a misery to me.

Chorus

When you say "do," well then I won't.

When you say “don’t,”--

Then that's all I want to do.

When you say "go," I tell you "no."

Refrain 2

Yes, I am raised and reconciled.

A certified saint, who is defiled.

A tameless prodigal; a mustang wild.

Amen, it's true--

I am God's Problem Child.

I am God's Problem Child.

Instrumental

Chorus two

When you say "love," well, then I lust.

When you say "bless,” 

Then I only want to cuss.

When you say "peace," I clench my fist.

Refrain 3

And all my excuses are stock-piled.

And the bitter man in me

Has been reviled

And the datum of my life 

Has been compiled.

The verdicts in--

I am God's Problem Child

I am God's Problem Child

God give grace to the Problem Child

Outro

"I have discovered my inner child and found him to be a brat."