From the recording Out to Lunch
Long John lived in my neighborhood when I was a kid. He was a fearful fellow who became the source of many legends and tales. His death was celebrated in the Italian neighborhood and a ceremonial dinner was thrown where many stories of his strange deeds unfolded.
Lyrics
Long John
Drew James © 2002
Chorus:
Long John are you coming home, its Saturday?
Are bad days ahead?
Bed count at the jailhouse was short one
You were long gone Long John
You were long gone Long John
Armored car delivery at the Nashville Bank
It was a Thursday afternoon
Payroll bag was lyin’ by a sleepy guard
It’s the first hot day in June
Cherry bomb lit with a cigarette fuse
Made the banker run when it blew
The guard said, “Mister, please don’t shoot”
As Long John grabbed the loot
Long John grabbed the loot
(Chorus)
Smith and Rockefeller’s Jewelry Store
It was a moonless Friday night
Lock came flyin’ off the back door
As he kicked with all his might
Alarm bell wire had already been cut
At least that’s what old Long John thought
The cops they came they locked him up
The case was open and shut
The case was open and shut
(Chorus)
A gun lays here beside my bed
Sleep has been chased from my head
I remember his eyes when I testified
Now his mother says he wants me dead
His mother says he wants me dead
(Chorus)