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Comedian updates song after demise of ‘Big Butter Jesus’

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer Updated 7:19 AM Wednesday, June 16, 2010

MONROE — The statue that some call “Big Butter Jesus” has burned “in a giant grease fire.”

That’s the way comedian Heywood Banks responded Tuesday, June 15, to the news that the Solid Rock Church landmark off Interstate 75 had been destroyed in a fire late Monday night.

Now, just as the creation of the statue inspired Banks to write the novelty tune “Big Butter Jesus,” its destruction has prompted him today to write a new verse and chorus for the song.

The new verse: “One night Big Butter got hit by lightning/It burned to the frame wire in 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,” Banks wrote.

The original chorus of “Big Butter Jesus” had a series of butter puns. The new chorus has a series of fiery puns. The new chorus: “Big fireball Jesus, flaming shot Jesus, charbroiled Jesus, Opa! Jesus, extra crispy Jesus, bananas foster Jesus, I’m put out it’s not Jesus, Charcoal-y O Lord.”

Asked if he had heard about the fire, the Michigan-based performer sarcastically asked, “Is there any excitement going on down there?”

Indeed, Banks has been deluged with news about the fire.

“I’ve had 150 e-mails, 30 text messages and I’ve been on the phone all morning,” he said.

Taking note of the many reactions to the fire, Banks said, “I’m glad no one was hurt. I’m evidently not the only one who didn’t like the statue.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

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