Tammy & Jim
I wrote this in 1989, when televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker were all over the news—convicted of fraud, having swindled millions from people desperate for salvation. What struck me most wasn’t just their deception, but how willing people were to hand over everything: their savings, their homes, their rings, their reason. I saw tragedy, comedy, and a whole lot of misplaced trust rolled into one national spectacle.
So, this song came out—part satire, part blues lament, and all-too-true. It’s the voice of someone who gave too much, believed too hard, and woke up to an empty bank account and a broken belief system. It’s humorous, sure—but there’s sorrow in the punchline.
Of all the things they lost…
they miss their mind the most.

I Miss My Mind The Most
[Verse 1]
I worshipped God with all my heart,
my money and my gold
Sent my checks to that preacher man,
trying to save my soul
Yeah, I went to church on Sunday
and I asked God, “Pretty please”
Please don’t let ’em ask me for
my house down by the beach

[Pre-Chorus]
‘Cause I gave them all my money
and I gave them everything
One night in desperation,
hell, I hawked my wedding ring
And it used to be I had some things
where I could brag or boast
But of all the things I’ve lost,
I think I miss my mind the most
Yes, of all the things I’ve lost,
I think I miss my mind the most

[Chorus]
I tried turning to Jesus,
Lord, I tried the Holy Ghost
I bought a one-way ticket to heaven,
but the sucker wound up coast to coast
Yes, of all the things I’ve lost,
I think I miss my mind the most

[Verse 2]
I used to have a mansion
and a new Mercedes Benz
I used to throw big parties
for my socialistic friends
Expensive art and jewelry,
I had a Rolex on my wrist
There might be some gold in my left molar
That TV preacher missed

[Bridge]
Yes, he said he needed money
to save everyone on Earth
So I wrote the checks
and sent the gold,
but the devil got there first

[Pre-chorus]
Yes, I gave them all my money,
I gave them everything
One night in desperation,
hell, I hawked my wedding ring
And it used to be I had some things
where I could brag or boast
But of all the things I’ve lost,
I think I miss my mind the most
Yes, of all the things I’ve lost,
I think I miss my mind the most

[Chorus]
I tried turning to Jesus,
hell, I tried the Holy Ghost
I bought a one-way ticket to heaven,
but the sucker wound up coast to coast
Yes, of all the things I’ve lost,
I think I miss my mind the most