Johnny came home in '67 to a little bit less than a heroe's welcome Guns of war ringing in his head I wonder what he must have thought About the things some people said Johnny was a rebel alright it was in his blood like fire in his eyes Believin' that freedom was well worth keeping alive Johnny was a rebel alright he knew where to stand and where to fight Believin' that freedom was well worth keeping alive Johnny was a rebel alright
He used to ride that Harley through the hollows and the hills Blow through town standing on one wheel Long hair flyin' like a sheet in the wind I knew he never would fit in In the old hometown again Yeah Johnny was a rebel alright...
That night out on the courthouse yard behind the civil defense and the national guard I saw an angry mob get out of hand I saw Johnny take a bullet for another man [ guitar ] Johnny died young like the good often do fightin' for right in the struggle of truth It seems like a waste when I look back today but I guess it's like he used to say Our freedom's only worth as much as we're all willing to pay Johnny was a rebel alright Johnny was a rebel alright yes he was Johnny was a rebel alright yes he was Johnny was a rebel alright yes he was