By popular demand, here are the lyrics to Heywood Banks’ Big Butter Jesus song:
In southern Ohio, just north of Cincinnati
I beheld a vision, next to the expressway.
Was a 60 foot jesus, with his hands in the air
looks like he’s carved out of butter,
just like at the state fair.Big butter Jesus
Sweet cream Jesus
Oh country fresh Jesus
Unsalted Jesus
Oh Promise Jesus
Imperial Jesus
Can’t believe it’s not Jesus
Oleo Lord.Well you see him from the chest up
like he’s about to do a back flip,
like he scored a touchdown
or maybe melting or about to drown.
Well I’ve been to the state fair
seen a cow made out of corn cobs
Garth Brooks made of string cheese
and the virgin out of olives.Big butter Jesus
Sweet cream Jesus
Oh country fresh Jesus
Unsalted Jesus
Oh Promise Jesus
Imperial Jesus
Can’t believe it’s not Jesus
Oleo Lord.Shipped in pieces on a flatbed
staring backwards was his big head
Driver stuck in traffic backups
desperately avoiding eye contact
Well don’t make no graven images.
That’s one of the 10 commandments
I hope the grading curve is kindly
You get to heaven with a 90Big butter Jesus
Sweet cream Jesus
Oh country fresh Jesus
Unsalted Jesus
Oh Promise Jesus
Imperial Jesus
Can’t believe it’s not Jesus
Oleo Lord.Can’t believe it’s not Jesus,
Oh spread the word.
UPDATED VERSE – following the June 14, 2010 lightning strike that burned the statue to the ground.
One night Big Butter
got hit by lightning
It burned to the frame wire
like a giant grease fire
Some blamed it on Satan,
and boy, that would be frightening
But I thought it was Jesus’ father
who was in charge of lightning
Extra crispy Jesus,
Flaming shot Jesus
Fireball Jesus
Opa Jesus
Charbroiled marshmallow Jesus
Bananas foster Jesus
I’m put out it’s not Jesus
Charcoaly lord
that thing is creapy!!!!!
Creepy? you oughta live damn near next door to the monstrosity. And the putter-uppers ain’t exactly angels. Only a devout red-neck can appreciate it…remember, it’s the Aer-i-kan way: bigger is best !
About the lyrics. Wouldn’t Jesus be salted? I mean the whole “salt of the earth” thing. Just sayin’.
#1 needs to learn to spell.
Beyond that I view it as impressionistic art.
Get out of it what you can/want.
Reminds me of a character from ‘Jason and the Argonauts’
Simply put: “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Beyond that: “1Then God spoke all these words: 2I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; 3you shall have no other gods before me. 4You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, 6but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. ”
Think about it.
I think that he made this song in order to get publicity. What is wrong with some people?
I live close to it but I dont think it was built to be an idol but to be a symbol of the church to make people feel welcome instead of all the porn you see as you travel
The porn makes me feel a lot more welcome than Touchdown Jesus ever did.
Publicity for what? Seriously people, the author of the song is a well known comedian. If you haven’t heard of him, let me introduce you to the year 2006. His job is to make people laugh and in my opinion he has done just that. As for the statue, well to each his own.
I must say, you Americans are extremely odd.
All we could say driving past was “what the Hell is that?” not good when refering to Jesus. How could they put it up and not expect it to be made fun of? I totally agree with false idol comments.
I remember almost getting hit every day driving by that thing while it was being constructed because it was such a distraction. I hate that damn thing and this song really does it justice. Thank you Heywood Banks!
I thought it was moses. but I still enjoy the song greatly, as I live 2 exits south and had a girlfriend about 7 exits north of it, so the big buttery whoever it is and I became quite well-acquainted. Spread the word, indeed.
My father drives past Jesus everyday on his way to work. When i heard the song on BOB AND TOM one morning i called him.He said he had heard it and had just gone past it. I also love Heywood Banks’ songs.
So question…for all you people who drive past the “big butter Jesus”…
have any of you tried walking through the doors and finding out why they put it up, or do you always use your own intelligence to discern why others do what they do?
Hey, but I bet everyone of you hates it when someone judges you wrong. Think about it. Just a thought from Minnesota.
Ugh… Obviously you don’t have to drive past that big eyesore on a daily basis. As others have said, it’s a HUGE distraction (no pun intended) to people driving on the freeway.
Ha Ha walk up to the doors of a drug infested cult. NO THANK YOU!
They put it up because they wanted to. I know people who go to the church. They all thought it was a great idea…….
That thing is just insane and my friends and I have all discussed how funny it would be if someone were to make a statue across the highway from it that threw a football every hour on the hour. TOUCHDOWN!!!!
This song is great and the statue is just creepy, and they shouldn’t have done it.
I drive past that thing and think, “Couldn’t they have found something better to spend the money on?”. Maybe a soup kitchen, help out the schools, build an abuse shelter…the list is endless. But no, they built that thing. Has anyone gone past at night? They light it up and it glows green.
We know which side our bread is buttered on give me big butter Jesus!!!! Love the song . . .
wonderful song, Heywood. You got me again. A fan forever.
We listened to our friend Diana sing the song all weekend on a bicycle tour in Indiana…..she had it right! I had the song in my head for four days! I broke it to her that I had seen it between Dayton and Cincy right on the interstate. You can see it visually from both directions….Big Butter Jesus is keeping the gawkers safe on the highway!
I think that the statue is an odd addition to the church. They could have done something more productive with the money. They didn’t need a 62 ft jesus looking over them. As far as Heywood Banks song it is awesome. The statue is also known as Field Goal Jesus. ” IT”S GOOD!!!!!!!!!!”
I’m a big fan of Heywood in general and I love the song. I too think the money spent on the statue could have been put to a much more productive use.
youtube has a video with the song…you can find it here ^_^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS5mqN0A42I listen well ^^
Love the song, love the statue, love the fact that so many are talking about Jesus. Maybe that was the point!
I think this song is extremely funny. ALso, if you get offended by a comedy song you need to sit back and take a good look at your life because there is someting really lacking. LIKE A LIFE!!
i love this song i heard it on 106.5
Hey, its a song made up from a personal perspective..isn’t that a sign in religion? I mean, it could be his way of expressing himself joyously.
Anyway, who are we to judge what others do? We have the ultimate judge above, and if he doesn;t have a sense of humor, then why make one?
It is a song written with no disrespect for the enjoyment of others. If you take this to seriously you really need to think about your life and why you have no ability to laugh and praise the lord at the same time
This song is a riot!! I live in northern Cinci and have been by this MANY times. It has caused accidents on I-75 for crying out loud! This is one of many humerous comments ( even the Cincinatti Enquirer!) about this sculpture. Heywood, you’ll never know how much I needed a good laugh when I heard this!! Saw you twice in Columbus – you’re the best!!
Linda……..
You mean to tell me you live near Cincinnati, but cannot spell it correctly???
comparing it to some of the hideous stuff you see at the state fair is appropo. heywood hit the mark again. did tammy faye baker’s make up artist design that sculpture?
Theologically it is an idol. Operationally it is a disgrace, as it draws ridicule to a Person sacred to many. Artistically it is a monstrosity. From a safety point of view, it is a distraction to drivers and is, therefore, dangerous.
However, having seen the Pastors on TV, it appears to me that it is unlikely they care about any of the above. They appear to be the sort of folks who want to appeal to the unlettered masses. If this does it, and if they can do anyone any good, more power to them.
However, it is offensive to many other people.
The giant Jesus is not an idol; it is a statue, and it’s okay to build statues. “Idolatry” comes from the Greek words for “image” and “worship.” The people who built the giant Jesus and the people who attend that church are not worshiping the statue; they are worshiping the Lord.
God is good. Spread the Word.
Thanks for the words to the song. Heywood rocks!
Oh Heywood, I love you so! *standing oleo-vation.
I also live near the Giant Jesus. If memory serves, the church chose to put it up to get people talking – well, they were certainly successful!
There’s a whole website dedicated to photoshop’d photos of ole GJ, it’s at jeeeb.us (that’s with three e’s)
Solid Rock Church put BBJ up to get people tp talk. They have and many have actually come to SRC out of curiosity and left knowing Jesus as Lord. In that respect, the statue of BBJ has done what it was supposed to do. I, for one, love this thing. Gaudy? Yes. Making people talk about Jesus? AMEN!!
Heard the song this morning and laughed all the way to work! I love it! I agree, whatever it takes to remind people that he is here and if it saves ONE person, it was worth ALL the gaudiness, accidents, rude remarks, whatever, but I wonder……..is it hollow and could they put a soup kitchen IN it, lol?!
Awesome! I love it. Thanks for a Great New Christmas Song!
Maybe the church wanted the publicity. They sure got it.
Heywood Banks will be performing this song at Bellbrook High School outside Dayton on April 14, 2007! We are only a half-hour from the real Big Butter Jesus, so you can make a road-trip out of it!
I,m planning a vacation around this location. I can,t wait!
Reminds me of those people who actually believe that people are laughing WITH them and not AT them.
Being that I am from Ohio and attended the University of Cincinnatti, i drove by this butter jesus constantly, i don’t call him butter jesus though, simply TOUCH DOWN JESUS! The winner in God’s super bowl 🙂
maybe they should build a huge goalpost with a football clearing it on the otherside… from my own view they could have spent the money on a multitude of better things, as for “people talking about it” and that being the point…your suppose to spread the gospel not create the gossip getting people o talk about Christ is a good thing when it about leading them to salvation and such not when ita about how the crappy statue
Well, as long as people aren’t worshiping it… I don’t think it can be called an idol lol. Crackers anyone?
Well, the owners of the church also had some drug problems. Thats how they paid for the church, and our big butter jesus. Thanks to cocaine, we have a 62 ft jesus. It was in the paper about 7-10 years ago. They got out of prison and put up the jesus.
Yep, I wish more people would wake up here. Jesus never wanteb to show himself in this light I am sure. However perhaps feeding the millions of hungry in OUR country may have been better. Would have made something good come from the drug money anyway…I think these people are a joke. The Lord is in our hearts, Not on the highway! And a reminder? haha Thats the funniest part. A cult perhaps.
I think that is well crafted…. I love it
I “spead the word” about it every change I get — Bob and Tom Rocks!!
Touchdown Jesus
Just figured out the chords and will be playing this song in my afternoon bar gigs near the big guy.
Thanks Heywood great song!!!!!!!
I’ve seen Heywood in concert and he says your initial reaction upon first seeing the “statue” and the name of the person it represents are the same word…”JESUS!” The man’s a genius. Go Heywood!
I think the statue has already served it’s purpose it has all of you talking about it. Talking about it helps spread the word. Remember publicity is publicity be it good or bad in your opinion.
Ok, we all agree that Heywood is a funny guy. And we agree that there are a few religious radical types that are offended. But, how many of us know that under all that “butter” is a sprint cell phone tower? Thats right people… not only does this church get plenty of pub. because of this song, they are getting paid by sprint as well. Spread the word, huh. Sprint wanted a tower there because of a location issue, the church agreed but it had to be something of a “biblical sense” as to beautify
( yeah, ok,) the church and hide the tower from the people. Now, let us compare : “Big cell phone tower, solid steel tower,” as compared to ” Big butter Jesus, Sweet cream Jesus,” which one is funnier? I guess it depends on ones’ own sense of humour or depth of religosity.
1. I live in Dayton, I drive by this thing constantly and it is hilarious.
2. I don’t think it’s idolatry because they are not worshipping the actual statue, a proud and obnoxious waste of money yes, but not an idol.
3. yes I’m sure the congregation had the best of reasons for putting up BBJ and that they are all faithful and on-fire christians spreading the Gospel, and I’m glad that it’s gotten people talking about Jesus Christ and wanting to know more about Him, because that is the whole point of it after all, but…
4. how many people do you think drive by this thing every day and look at it as a symbol of all that is wrong with christianity today – the arrogance, the waste of money, the in your face preaching. and how many people do you think have turned AWAY from the Lord as a result of this. you always hear the success stories, never the failures.
5. to be fair to the Solid Rock Church, from looking at their website it seems that they do a lot of good and donate a lot of their money to charity, they’ve even set up an orphanage and a shelter for teenage girls. the impression that the church gives off to the community however, thanks to big butter jesus, is not good, charitable church, but pompous wasteful church, and they need to be aware of this stigma against them.
Hey Chris, Concerning the comments you made about the “owners” of the church building the statue with cocaine money and being incarcerated in prison, Do you have proof (the newspaper articles) of the accusations or are you just repeating what you have heard someone else say?
A person of your high moral fiber would not spreading false accusations would you? So I say to you, Put up or shut up ! Produce the facts or go away to never be heard from again…….
Chris is correct about the cocaine-Smuggled in the stomaches of horses on their farm”Le Ranch” across the road. Check out the papers yourself if you need proof
well fuck man if god punishes me for fucking what my parents did then what is the fucking point of being devout at all if god will put me in hell anyway for sins i didn’t even commit. does that mean that if mother teresa’s parents were sinners that she is in hell right now?
This also freaks me out. I have driven past it several times and try to avoid it when I can. I find it funny that Heather’s comment on January 26th said that she is from Ohio and went to UC, yet spelled Cincinnati wrong. Way to go, Heather! You and Linda from the November 2nd entry should hang out. My dad is the VP of the Alumni Center at UC. Way to make us proud.
I heard this song a while ago, but I had no idea the statue really existed. My teenage son and I sing the chorus in the car all the time. To us, it’s symbolic of all of the hucksters who are selling “religion,” and have nothing to do with Jesus’ message.
I thought Jesus could walk on water……what a disappointment.
I’ve seen it, I’ve sang about it, and that makes me LAUGH.
go go Heywood.
And according to http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com….
Jesus walked on water, but Chuck Norris walked on Jesus.
Didn’t see that one coming, did you?
Peace. Love. and Crabs. ❤
44–Sara, I know you’re offering crackers to go w/ the butter, but I think there are enough “crackers” here. Yes, that was meant to be a slam, but not on you Sara.
Honestly people, if people are talking about BBJ, then those who want to spread the word are presented with the opportunity.
Idols are things that are worshiped, not simply things that are discussed. If we’re really going to discuss idolatry, then let’s discuss materialism, a throw-away cultural approach to resources, greed, ignorance, etc. You know, what we as a culture value.
9—And you, Tom, are judgmental. Every nation has wonderful people and stupid people, surprise! It’s about people being people. Some are different, but different from whom? It’s about cultural norming, becoming like everyone else we’re around. Even EMO kids are just like each other.
While I appreciate proof-reading, folks, come on! Cut people a little slack. I find it ironic that “huge” discussions about witnessing for god are paired with attacks on someone’s spelling.
Finally, Heywoodbanks is hilarious! OMG—love him!! I sing this song on a regular basis.
Yes, I’ve seen the 60 ft. jesus. Yes, I’ve pictures. Yes, it’s funny.
I love the idea of a football being launched through the hands every hour, or simply one time a day, perhaps at 4:20 in the afternoon?
Not too long ago, some pranksters came by and broke all the fingers but one on each hand of ole BBJ. Looked like he was flipping off the world 🙂
I think every one in the church needs to think very hard about what to put in the collection plate even when it is passed around a second time because there was not enough put in the first time. (My kids went with friends for Sunday school and told me the preacher was upset with the offering and sent the plates back around.)What a way to spend your money. Gotta be proud of Big Butter Jesus!
Well some of us are having a blast with it so thank you Solid Rock members for all the money spent just to make us non members laugh. Great song!
The song is great. Every time i hear it i go around work for a week singing it. Thanks to Haywood.
I LOVE THIS SONG!!Heywood banks is halarious!The toast song is a good one too.
People that get offended and feel the need to “blog” their comments to everyone amaze me. It is what it is…lighten up religious fanatics!
Eh, I think it looks more like cream cheese.
It’s clearly melty in a few places, too. I saw another picture of this from the side and the cross is bowing in at least two spots.
proof jesus is a football fan
got turned on to heywood when he was interviewed on wrif radio in detroit(best station in the world); luckily, he also played a few live. almost drove off the road i was laughing so hard.not sure the exact title, but “the man in the suit” was hilarious(the man in the suit just drove up in a stretch limo, the man in the suit just repo’ed my house…i gotta get me a suit!). regarding big butter jesus, alla youse taking it so seriously, lighten up! the folks laughing along with heywood are probably leading far less stressful lives.
he is a comedian! he makes silly songs for a living! like you could be that creative! you are all stupid and i hope you all burn in hell for taking things too seriously! IDIOTS! you ruin humor for everyone!!! …and religion.. seriously take a chill pill, you all have corn cobs up your bums.
WEll, the big butter Jesus was HIT BY LIGHTENING last night and burned to the ground. so there is humor even in it’s demise.
Bolts from the sky are “lightning”, while “lightening” is what bleaching does to your hair.
Big Butter is Toast!
6-story Jesus statue in Ohio struck by lightning
(AP) – 51 minutes ago
MONROE, Ohio — A six-story statue of Jesus Christ was struck by lightning and burned to the ground, leaving only a blackened steel skeleton and pieces of foam that were scooped up by curious onlookers Tuesday.
The “King of Kings” statue, one of southwest Ohio’s most familiar landmarks, had stood since 2004 at the evangelical Solid Rock Church along Interstate 75 in Monroe, just north of Cincinnati.
The lightning strike set the statue ablaze around 11:15 p.m. Monday, Monroe police dispatchers said.
The sculpture, about 62 feet tall and 40 feet wide at the base, showed Jesus from the torso up and was nicknamed Touchdown Jesus because of the way the arms were raised, similar to a referee signaling a touchdown. It was made of plastic foam and fiberglass over a steel frame, which is all that remained Tuesday.
The nickname is the same used for a famous mural of the resurrected Jesus that overlooks the Notre Dame football stadium.
The fire spread from the statue to an adjacent amphitheater but was confined to the attic area, and no one was injured, police Chief Mark Neu said.
Estimated damage from the fire was set at $700,000 — $300,000 for the statue and $400,000 for the amphitheater, Fire Capt. Richard Mascarella said Tuesday.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was at the scene Tuesday to prevent traffic jams and potential accidents from motorists stopping along the highway to take photographs.
Some people were scooping up pieces of the statue’s foam from the nearby pond to take home with them, said church co-pastor Darlene Bishop.
“This meant a lot to a lot of people,” she said.
Keith Lewis, of nearby Middletown, arrived at the church around 7 a.m. Tuesday to photograph the remains for his wife. Lewis said he had viewed the statue as both an oddity and an inspiration.
Cassie Browning, a church member from Dayton, said she was driving home when she saw smoke and noticed the statue was missing.
Travelers on I-75 often were startled to come upon the huge statue by the roadside, but many said America needs more symbols like it. So many people stopped at the church campus that church officials had to build a walkway to accommodate them.
Bishop said the statue will be rebuilt.
“It will be back, but this time we are going to try for something fireproof,” she said.
The 4,000-member, nondenominational church was founded by Bishop and her husband, former horse trader Lawrence Bishop.
Lawrence Bishop said in 2004 he was trying to help people, not impress them, with the statue. He said his wife proposed the Jesus figure as a beacon of hope and salvation.
Made you think as you passed it though. Didn’t it? Hm!
“It made you think when you passed it…”
Yes, it made me wonder why on earth a group would waste so much money on something so kitschy. If they had wanted to help people they should have used the money for something else.
Oh Lord, save me from evangelicals!
I suppose I shouldn’t complain–I did use it to teach my children a lesson on hubris and stupidity.
Hallelujah!
That tacky Tower of Babel is gone.
God apparently has taste in art.
Thunder People- 1, Mega Church- 0.
This is usually a terrific webpage and also a excellent outline these.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and also the rest of the website is really good.
One of those moments when even atheists start to wonder…maybe there really is a God! you know, A god with a REALLY funny sense of humor. But of course it was probably done by one of those other gods…. the ones Christians are atheist about. ALL HAIL ZEUS!
God was sending you a message. Did you get the message? Apparently not.