Story Behind The Song
I've often wondered why it took me 40 years to write this song (John Corr died in 1967; the song was written in 2007), but I'm glad I waited. A listener once said of the piece, "It's nice that you didn't feel you had to mention Vietnam by name or blatantly slam the pro-military government, while poetically inferring those things." I've received countless "thanks" from Johnny's Wilton High School Class of 1962 mates.
Song Description
Tribute to 2nd Lt. John Corr, a three-sport star at Wilton (CT) High School 1958-62, starting quarterback for the University of Brideport (CT) 1965-66, and to those who knew him a dear, dear friend. Killed in Vietnam 12/28/1967.
| Song Length |
4:54 |
Genre |
Folk - Contemporary, World - Celtic |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant, Peaceful |
Subject |
Friend, War |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1960 - 1969 |
Lyrics
Lament for J.C.
Words & Music
wm Alan Ross
©2007
They're comin' to get you, now, Johnny
That sheepskin was still warm in your hand
When they dropped you in that jungle, Johnny
Oh, Johnny, what a mess they put you in
Johnny, you were much too good for them
They came on a blitz, now, Johnny
That pigskin was still warm in your hands
When you launched sky-high kicks, ole No. 20
Oh Johnny, they quickly did you in
Johnny, it's no longer first-and-10
Time stood still that day
A bullet found its way to you
As Housman said of an athlete dying young:
The laurels won are swiftly gone
Shoulder high, we bore you home
They carried you away, my Johnny
A life of promise cut short 50 years
And while we speak of your bravery and honour
You never knew a wife and family, such a tragedy
Now you name's on a wall for all eternity
Johnny, you were way too young
Johnny, you never came marching home
Johnny, we barely knew ye, dear old friend