Don't Take Your Guns to Town

(Johnny Cash)



A young cowboy named Billy Joe

Grew restless on the farm

A boy filled with wanderlust

Who really meant no harm.



He changed his clothes and shined his boots

And combed his dark hair down

And his mother cried as he walked out

Don't take your guns to town, son.

Leave your guns at home Bill

Don't take your guns to town.



He laughed and kissed his mom

And said your Billy Joe's a man

And I can shoot as quick and straight

As anybody can.



But I wouldn't shoot without a cause

I'd gun nobody down

But she cried again as he rode away

Don't take your guns to town, son.

Leave your guns at home Bill

Don't take your guns to town.



He sang a song as on he rode

His guns hung at his hips

He rode into a cattle town

A smile upon his lips.



He stopped and walked into a bar

And laid his money down

But his mother's words echoed again

Don't take your guns to townm son.

Leave your guns at home Bill

Don't take your guns to town.



He drank his first strong liquor

Then to calm his shaking hand

And he tried to tell himself at last

He'd become a man.



A dust cowpoke at his side

Began to laugh him down

And he heard again his mother's words

Don't take your guns to town, son.

Leave your guns at home Bill

Don't take your guns to town.



Bill was raged and Billy Joe reached

For his gun to draw

But the stranger drew his gun and fired

Before he even saw.



As Billy Joe fell to the floor

The crowd all gathered round

And wondered at his final words

Don't take your guns to town, son.

Leave your guns at home Bill

Don't take your guns to town...