Gotta get out, gotta shout, gotta sing
Gotta dance, gotta jump, gotta run
Think I'll fight a war, I don't know what for
But I'll learn when I get my gun

Well, I left home three days ago
I feel like going to bed
Open the courts and a new religion
Burning through my head
Burning through my head

Made my way with the fusiliers
I even fought my way back home
But the front line shifted and my rifle got lifted
Had to fight the war on my own

Well, I left home three days ago
I feel like going to bed
Walking downtown gave me cold, cold fingers
And my feet were made of lead
My feet were made of lead

I'll just eat fruit on your doorstep
I'll just drink pailfuls of rain
I'm but a barnacled warship
Singing the fighter's refrain
Singing the fighter's

Made my way with the Salvation Army
Take them on with a tambourine
I'll strike down sinners like the old gunslingers
Smooth 'em out like margarine

Well, I left home three days ago
I feel like going to bed
Open the courts and a new religion
Burning through my head
Burning through my head

Went to the gambling shop today
They had me five to one
Heard a voice behind me say
Put down the Bible and pick up your gun

Well, I left home three days ago
I feel like going to bed
Water downtown gave me cold, cold fingers
And my feet were made of lead
My feet were made of lead

I'll just eat fruit on your doorstep
I'll just drink pailful's of rain
I'm but a barnacled warship
Singing the fighter's refrain
Singing the fighter's


Lyrics submitted by Macphisto12, edited by copans

Barnacled Warship Lyrics as written by John Patrick Vivian Flynn

Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Barnacled Warship song meanings
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    Lyric Correction

    I think it's "But I'll learn when I've got my gun" - only a slight difference, but not completely trivial!

    dassindgeschichtenon June 23, 2010   Link

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