The Striped Green Socks

Verse 1

They said the faithful wore them

Every Sunday without fail—

Striped green socks beneath their trousers,

Though the reason wasn’t clear.

No one found them in the Scriptures,

But the teachers all agreed:

“Surely those who truly love Him

Will be glad to meet the need.”

Pre-Chorus

And a custom became wisdom,

Then the wisdom became law.

Soon the socks became the measure

Of how much the Lord was loved.

Chorus

So I wore the striped green socks,

Kept them pulled up to my knees.

I was careful not to question

What was called humility.

But holiness is not a costume,

And grace cannot be dressed.

Jesus never measured people

By the pattern on their legs.

Verse 2

Some were told to wear them longer,

Some were told to wear them plain.

Some were praised for never changing;

Some were warned against a stain.

Some could prove their deeper calling

By the colors they refused.

And the rules grew ever holier

The more often they were used.

Pre-Chorus

Every preference found a pulpit,

Every caution found a throne.

And the things that men had chosen

Soon were spoken as His own.

Chorus

So I wore the striped green socks,

Kept them pulled up to my knees.

I was careful not to question

What was called humility.

But holiness is not a costume,

And grace cannot be dressed.

Jesus never measured people

By the pattern on their legs.

Verse 3

Then they said the truly gifted

Had to speak a certain way,

Had to carry certain wonders,

Had to worship, kneel, or pray

With the signs that proved the Spirit

Had approved their heart and voice.

And the gift that God had freely given

Turned into another choice.

Some were judged by what they carried.

Some were judged by what they lacked.

Some were told the Spirit left them

When they did not fit the act.

Pre-Chorus

But the Spirit gives with wisdom;

He is neither bought nor staged.

And the children of the Father

Are not ranked by gifts displayed.

Bridge

You may wear the socks with gladness.

You may leave them in the drawer.

You may love a certain custom

Without making it the Lord.

You may dress with care and beauty.

You may choose the simple way.

But your buttons, hems, and colors

Cannot wash your sins away.

You may treasure old traditions.

You may find them kind and wise.

But the moment they condemn you,

They have grown beyond their size.

There is room for honest conscience.

There is room for love and grace.

There is room for different children

At the Father’s table place.

Final Chorus

I no longer wear the socks

To prove I’m faithful or sincere.

I may wear them if I like them;

I may leave them sitting here.

For holiness is Christ within me,

Not a standard I possess.

Jesus never measured people

By the pattern on their legs.

No, the kingdom does not tremble

When my preferences are crossed.

And the cross is not made stronger

By a pair of striped green socks.

Outro

Wear them.

Don’t wear them.

Let conscience walk with grace.

But never call a human custom

The measure of His face.