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American Folk Song

from Fire in the Belly by The Kissers

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lyrics

Well my name is John DeWitt
And I am a high school graduate
And I attend the University
Of Wisconsin-Madison

There’s a girl out there for me
And her name is Susan Lee
She is going to marry me
And we’ll start a family

But wait all the school is done
For the class of 1861
Now they’re going to give me a gun
And send me to the South

They sent me to Camp Randall
And they trained me for a while
I learned to load a musket
Shoot it military style
They said, “Good lad, you’re ready”
And I kissed my girl good-bye
They sent me off to Charleston
Where I would surely die

All went fine and dandy
Till we hit the battlefield
The Captain started shouting
And the men began to squeal
I thought I heard a cannon
And I looked around to see
The Captain’s parts were all spread out
And lying next to me

Alleluia all the school is done
For the class of 1861
Now they’re going to give me a gun
And send me to the South

The Lieutenant took command
He ordered all of us, “Retreat!”
Well I just stood there staring
And he said, “Private move your feet!”
I turned around and ran
Until I thought my heart would burst
I collapsed and fell asleep
That was a day I’ll always curse

When I awoke next morning
I did not know where I was
The morning sun was shinging red
The insects they did buzz
I stood up and suddenly
Remembered what went on
I felt the ground, it was soft and damp
But looked just like the sun

Alleluia there’s a girl for me
And her name is Susan Lee
She is going to marry me
And we’ll start a family

I served my country in this way
For two long bloody years
When I returned my girl was gone
Which answered all my fears
I did my dusty and I lost
My one and only lass
No remorse for those who served in wars
They get kicked in the ass

Now I’m done complaining
Going to live life to its fullest
I got an education
Now my pen becomes the bullets
I’m going to write a tune
And call it American Folk Song
I sincerely hope that when it’s played
No one will sing along

Alleluia I’m John DeWitt
And I am a high school graduate
And I attend the University
Of Wisconsin-Madison

Well my name is John DeWitt
And I am a high school graduate
And I attend the University
Of Wisconsin-Madison

credits

from Fire in the Belly, released November 1, 2003
By Ken Fitzsimmons

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The Kissers Madison, Wisconsin

The Kissers bring a fresh, original kick to Celtic music. Forged during legendary Monday nights at Madison's O’Cayz Corral, and honed through 1000 nights on the road, their sound blends sharp musicianship, black humor and the lilt and lyricism of the ancient melodies. Rock musicians who learned Irish music, The Kissers explore the roots of that tradition while retaining their own unique essence. ... more

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