The Gun, the Gold and the Girl

Jim Ed Brown and the Browns · The Three Bells [Bear Family] [1993]

(Harlan Howard - Billy Mize)



I had to have the gun to get the gold

And I had to have the gold to get the girl.



She wanted things I couldn't buy, I knew I'd lose her love

She was everything in life that I've been dreaming of

And desperation one dark night began my life a crime

I knew where someone captured a gun, now the gun was mine.



I had to have the gun to get the gold

And I had to have the gold to get the girl.



I robbed and stole, I even killed to win her for my own

I found her in another's arms one night when I came home

I drew my gun they tried to run but never made the door

By their side I threw the gun I'd never leave no more.



I wouldn't need the gun to get the gold

I wouldn't need the gold to get the girl.



Now very soon I'll meet my doom the scuffle's just outside

When I found her in his arms that's when I really died

Time draws near, I hear the footsteps comin' down the hall

And as I die the reason why will haunt me most of all.



I had to have the gun to get the gold

And I had to have the gold to get the girl.



I had to have the gun to get the gold

And I had to have the gold to get the girl...

The Gun, the Gold and the Girl

Jim Ed Brown and the Browns deliver a compelling narrative performance on "The Gun, the Gold and the Girl," a track that highlights the group's mastery of storytelling within the English-language folk and country traditions. As a member of the renowned Brown family, Jim Ed Brown brought a distinctive baritone that anchored the ensemble's harmonies, often exploring themes of romance, hardship, and moral dilemmas. This recording captures the group's ability to weave intricate tales through music, maintaining the emotional resonance characteristic of their broader discography. The song stands as a testament to their skill in blending traditional instrumentation with evocative lyrics, creating a sonic landscape that invites listeners into a world of classic Americana. Through this work, the Browns reaffirm their status as enduring figures in the genre, offering a rich listening experience that resonates with fans of narrative-driven country and folk music.