Kris Kristofferson – Jesus Was a Capricorn (Owed to John Prine)

About the song

“Jesus Was a Capricorn (Owed to John Prine)” by Kris Kristofferson is a witty, socially conscious song that blends humor with a sharp critique of societal hypocrisy. Released in 1972 as the title track of Kristofferson’s Jesus Was a Capricorn album, the song reflects Kristofferson’s skillful ability to use satire to address deeper issues of judgment, prejudice, and the way society marginalizes people who don’t conform to the mainstream. Dedicated to fellow songwriter John Prine, the song encapsulates a rebellious spirit and challenges listeners to think about the contradictions in their beliefs and actions.

The song’s lyrics highlight the irony of how society treats individuals who don’t fit into traditional molds, using the figure of Jesus as an example. In the opening lines, Kristofferson sings, “Jesus was a Capricorn / He ate organic food / He believed in love and peace / And never wore no shoes.” This humorous portrayal of Jesus as a countercultural figure juxtaposes the image of a simple, peace-loving man with the often judgmental and hypocritical behavior of society, particularly among those who claim to follow his teachings. The lyrics continue to poke fun at societal prejudices, with lines like “Everybody’s gotta have somebody to look down on / Who they can feel better than at any time they please.”

The song’s satirical tone is sharpened by Kristofferson’s critique of the way people judge others based on appearances, lifestyles, or beliefs, while conveniently ignoring the core messages of love and compassion that they claim to uphold. The chorus drives this point home, as Kristofferson points out that people often need someone to look down on to feel superior. This message resonates beyond religious or moral critique, applying to a wide range of social and cultural situations where judgment and exclusion are prevalent.

Musically, “Jesus Was a Capricorn” has a laid-back, country-folk feel, with a light rhythm and simple, acoustic instrumentation that complements the playful, yet pointed, tone of the lyrics. The melody is easygoing, underscoring the conversational nature of Kristofferson’s vocal delivery. His voice, with its gravelly warmth, lends a sense of authenticity to the song, making it feel more like a direct conversation with the listener than a traditional performance.

Despite its humor, the song carries a serious message about the ways in which people fail to live up to the values they profess. By using Jesus—a universally recognized figure known for his teachings on love, peace, and humility—as a symbol, Kristofferson subtly critiques those who weaponize religion or moral superiority to exclude or judge others. The song encourages listeners to reflect on their own behavior and think critically about how they treat those who are different from them.

The dedication of the song to John Prine, another legendary songwriter known for his biting social commentary and humorous approach to serious topics, adds another layer to the track. Both Kristofferson and Prine were known for using their music to challenge the status quo, and “Jesus Was a Capricorn” serves as a tribute to that shared spirit of rebellion and social consciousness. It is a song that speaks to the 1970s counterculture, but its message remains relevant today in its call for empathy, understanding, and a rejection of judgmental attitudes.

In the broader context of Kristofferson’s body of work, “Jesus Was a Capricorn” stands out as one of his more overtly satirical and socially critical songs. While Kristofferson is often celebrated for his introspective ballads and love songs, this track showcases his ability to weave humor into his critiques of society, without losing the emotional depth and sincerity that define his songwriting.

Ultimately, “Jesus Was a Capricorn (Owed to John Prine)” is a clever, thought-provoking song that uses humor and satire to address important social issues. Kris Kristofferson’s sharp lyrics, combined with the song’s laid-back musical arrangement, make it a timeless reflection on the contradictions in human nature, calling for greater empathy and a more genuine embrace of the values of love, peace, and understanding.

Video

Lyrics

“Jesus Was A Capricorn”