THE BIG BATTLE
J.Cash
Recorded 2/24/61, Hollywood, CA
Album: Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash

Key of A
A                                                                  E
I think sir the battle is over and the young soldier laid down his gun
E                                                        A
I'm tired of running for cover I'm certain the battle is done
A   D                       A                E                          A    E
For see over there where we fought them it's quite for they've all gone away
E   A                                  E                         A
All left is the dead and the dying the blue lying along side the grey

Key of G
G                                                          D
So you think the battle is over and you even lay down your gun
D                                                               G
You carelessly rise from your cover for you think the battle is done
G   C                       G         D                    G   D
Now boy hit the dirt listen to me for I'm still the one in command
D   G                                     D                        G
Get flat on the ground here beside me and lay your ear hard to the sand

Key of A
Can you hear the deafening rumble can you feel the trembling ground
It's not just the horses and wagons that make such a deafening sound
For every shot fired had an echo and every man killed wanted life
There lies your friend Jim McKenny can you take the news to his wife

Key of G
No son the battle's not over the battle has only begun
The rest of the battle will cover the part that has blackened the sun
The fight yet to come's not with cannons nor will the fight be hand to hand
No one will regroup the forces no charge will a general command

Key of A
The battle will rage in the bosom of mother and sweetheart and wife
Brother and sister and daughters will grieve for the rest of their lives
Now go ahead rise from your cover be thankful that God let you live
Go fight the rest of the battle for those who gave all they could give

Key of G
I see sir the battle's not over the battle has only begun
The rest of the battle will cover this part that has blackened the sun
For though there's no sound of the cannons and though there's no smoke in the sky
I'm dropping the gun and the sabor and ready for battle am I