John Wesley Harding
Was a friend to the poor
He traveled with a gun in every hand
All along this countryside
He opened a many a door
But he was never known
To hurt an honest man

It was down in Chaynee County
A time they talk about
With his lady by his side
He took a stand
And soon the situation there
Was all but straightened out
For he was always known
To lend a helping hand

All across the telegraph
His name it did resound
But no charge held against him
Could they prove
And there was no man around
Who could track or chain him down
He was never known
To make a foolish move


Lyrics submitted by Cake

John Wesley Harding Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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John Wesley Harding song meanings
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    General Comment

    Isn't it about the emptiness/falsity of hero worship and futility of 'outlaw' living itself - at the end of the album Dylan sounds like someone who is finally willing to live a 'normal' settled life.

    efforton June 12, 2006   Link

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