words and music by Arlo Guthrie



If all the doors were closed in heaven

Where would all the angels go

Would they just fly around forever

Or would they come down here below



If the pearly gates were closed this morning

Would there be angels here tonight

And would they live their lives among us

And share the darkness with their light



If all the doors were close in heaven

They'd have to close the road to hell

We'd all be stuck here with each other

There would be nowhere else to dwell



If the pearly gates were closed this morning

And everyone there had to leave

And death was nothing but a moment

Beyond the breaths you took to breathe



If all the doors were closed in heaven

Who would dare abuse a child

Or let a little kid go hungry

Or not return a simple smile



If the pearly gates were closed this morning

And the host of heaven was on the street

I wonder if they'd look much different

From the likes of you and me



So I hope they close the doors to heaven

And all the angels up above

Come and build a home among us

Remind us what it is to love



If the pearly gates were closed this morning

Would there be angels here tonight

And would they live their lives among us

And share the darkness with their light