THE GUN
Mildred Burke; Jim Reeves
(Recorded 8 March 1961)
This is the story of love that came undone -
This is the story of two men and a gun, of two men and a gun...
(Spoken)
A man that I'd never met stole my wife and son,
but that's been nearly three years now and it's over with and done
At first I'd stare out into space while hate consumed my soul
hate was the creed by which I lived and revenge my only goal.
But the road to happiness isn't paved with hate
I'm glad I learned how to forgive before it was too late.
Now, here's the way the other man paid for what he'd done:
I heard it from the man's own lips, who took my wife and son.
I didnt really know this man, but, I'd seen him ‘round,
He's a new guard at the factory where I work, west of town
This fellow swung into step with me and said, "I've got to talk".
I listened, spellbound, at his words as we stood on the ‘walk.
"You," the guard said hoarsely, "are a kind man, I surmise?"
as he stood there with his handkerchief, wiping in his eyes.
"Three years ago I wronged a man: I stole his wife and son.
I didn't trealise then the terrible thing that I had done.
"This thing gets hold of me at night and I can't sleep or rest -
Forgive me sir, but telling it seems to get it off my chest.
"When my past looms up like this, it kinda helps me to unload...
I'm one man, sir, who knows for sure that you reap just what you've sowed.
"I sure appreciate your listening, it helps me a lot.
You know, to have that man's forgiveness I'd give everything I've got.
"Well I feel much better now ... I ... I did'nt get your name?
‘Moore?' Why, that was my wife's name before we wed. It's odd your name's the same
"You know, I'd kill a man who'd do to me the thing that I've done..."
And when the truth got through to him, he handed me his gun...
As I gave the weapon back I said "What's done is done.
All I ask is just be kind to Jenny and my son."
Submitted by Leon Hart
Lyrics
Session File