Johnny came home in '67
To a little bit less than a hero's welcome
Guns of war ringing in his head
I wonder what he must have thought
About the things some people saidJohnny 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, alrightHe 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 againYeah, 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, alrightThat 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 manJohnny 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 payJohnny 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