The Ballad Of Jesse James
Van Morrison · Other Songs - Van Morrison
And he killed many men
He robbed the Glendale train
And he took from the richer
And he gave that to the poorer
He'd a hand and a heart and a brain
Oh Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life
Three children they were so brave
But that dirty little coward
That shot Mr. Howard
Has laid Jesse James in his grave
(Instrumental)
On Wednesday night
When the moon was shining bright
They robbed that Glendale train
And the folks from miles about (yeah they can)
They all said without a doubt
It was done by her Frankie and Jesse James (yes it was)
Oh Jessie had a wife, to mourn for his life
Three children they were so brave
But that dirty little coward
That shot Mr. Howard
Has laid (poor) Jesse James in his grave
(Instrumental)
Well the people held their breath
When they heard about Jesse's death (yeah)
And they wondered how poor Jesse came to die (how did he die?)
It was one of his guys, called Little Robert Ford
And he shot Jessie James on the sly
Oh Jessie had a wife to mourn for his life
Three children they were so brave
But that dirty little coward
That shot Mr. Howard
Has laid Jesse James in his grave
Has laid poor Jesse in his grave
He laid Jesse James in his grave
The Ballad Of Jesse James
The Ballad Of Jesse James stands as a compelling song in Van Morrison's expansive discography, showcasing his enduring affinity for narrative songwriting and American folk traditions. The track reflects the artist's signature ability to weave historical figures into a soundscape defined by soulful vocals and intricate instrumentation. While often associated with his broader exploration of blues and rock influences, the song demonstrates Morrison's capacity to craft intimate portraits within a larger musical framework. It remains a testament to his prolific output and his consistent pursuit of artistic depth across decades of recording. The piece invites listeners to engage with the storytelling elements that have long characterized his work, offering a moment of reflection amidst his celebrated catalogue of hits and deeper cuts.