John the Gun

"My shadow follows me

Wherever I should chance to go"

John the gun did say

"If you should chance to meet me

As I wander to and fro

Sad would be your day

My life is mine and the light did shine

Till the guns they did go through me

So now I shall never fall

Ideals of peace are gold which fools have found

Upon the plains of war

I shall destroy them all."

Put away your guns of steel

Death comes too soon for all

Your master he may need you soon

And you must heed his call

"I am the master of the games

That you will hardly ever play

So I will teach your sons

And if they should die

Before the evening of their span of days

Why, then they will die young."

Put away your guns of steel

Death comes too soon for all

Your master he may need you soon

And you must heed his call

"Condemn me not

For always will I play the game of war

In moonshine or in sun

And if any cross the path I choose to tread

Their chances they are poor

My name is john the gun."

Put away your guns of steel

Death comes too soon for all

Your master he may need you soon

And you must heed his call