If he showed up now, you wouldn't know what to do
He'd be flat broke as usual, filthy too
And the worst thing about it when he comes to town
Is the kind of people that he brings around
But all of your life you have called him your friend
And promised you'd stick by him right to the end
So you'd say, do us the honour, have something to eat
And he'd say, where were you when I was living on the street?

If he showed up now there'd be trouble, I bet
He'd be talking revolution, or did you forget
When you told him you'd follow him, he said, if you
Were anything like me, they'd kill you too.
You'd say, I've been calling you, haven't you heard?
I live by your name and I'd die for your word
And I'd fight to defend it in every detail
And he'd say, where were you when I was in jail?

If he showed up now, would you recognize him?
If he came as a pauper when you expected a king
Or as an illegal, scrounging for bills
Or a defenceless child in the Syrian hills
You'd say I've been fighting your cause all along
I studied your pages and sang out your songs
And it was in your name that I closed every prayer
And he'd say, where were you when I was sick and couldn't get care?
You'd say, if I'd known it was you I'd have come
I fought for your honour and all that I've done
It was under your banner in the name of the Son
And he'd say, where were you for the weakest ones?
Where were you for the weakest ones?