Don't Take Your Guns to Town

Johnny Cash

About Don't Take Your Guns to Town

"Don't Take Your Guns to Town" is a 1958 single by Johnny Cash. The single was his fifth release to reach the number one position on the country chart, where it stayed for six weeks. "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" was also a crossover hit peaking at number thirty-two on the pop chart. The song is also included in the live album VH1 Storytellers: Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson. The song was covered by U2 as the B-side of their 2001 single "Elevation". Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.  


Year:
1988
2:55
49 
#1

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A young cowboy named Billy Joe grew restless on the farm
A boy filled with wonderlust 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
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 town 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 tried to tell himself he had at last he had become a man
A dusty cowpoke at his side began to laugh him down
And he heard again his mothers words

Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town

Filled with rage then
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

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Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003), was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—as well as blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. more »

19 fans

Written by: Johnny R. Cash

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
The original song "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" was performed by Johnny Cash, a celebrated American singer-songwriter, and was later covered by Irish rock band U2 and American country music singer Willie Nelson.
Release Information
Johnny Cash released "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" as a single in 1958. It was featured in his third album, "The Fabulous Johnny Cash."
Chart Performance
Johnny Cash's original rendition reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles chart and remained there for six weeks. It also peaked at No. 32 on the pop charts.
Song Composition
"Don't Take Your Guns to Town" is a ballad, and the lyrics tell the story of a young cowboy who ignores his mother's plea not to take his guns to town, resulting in a fatal gunfight.
Cover Versions
U2 and Willie Nelson are among the renowned artists who have covered "Don't Take Your Guns to Town." U2 performed it during their Vertigo Tour in 2005, while Willie Nelson included a version of the song in his 2000 album "Milk Cow Blues."
Music Video
For U2’s cover, a fan-made music video was created which was nominated for multiple awards. The video includes a compilation of live footage from various U2 performances.
Awards
Johnny Cash's original recording of "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010, a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old and that have "qualitative or historical significance."
Social Impact
The song has often been used to convey anti-violence messages, especially against gun violence, echoing its tragic narrative about a young man's reckless decision leading to his death.
Cultural Influence
The song title has been referenced in various forms of media, including films, books, and TV episodes, reflecting its cultural significance.
Popularity
Despite being released over six decades ago, "Don't Take Your Guns To Town" is still recognized as one of Johnny Cash's most popular songs, and it remains an iconic track in the country music genre.

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    Don't Take Your Guns to Town

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1959

    Billboard #32


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