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 Johnny was a rebel alright it was in his blood like fire in his eyes About the things some people said 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 ] It seems like a waste when I look back today but I guess it's like he used to say Johnny died young like the good often do fightin' for right in the struggle of truth 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