Old John Brown left Kansas before the blood had dried 

And as he rode his head did shine like the sun in mid-July.

In a tiny farm house by Brunswick piano

He warmed his boots by the fireplace and read aloud from Samuel.

David rose to beat the Philistines with five smooth stones and a sling.

One October morning his army did approach

The armory that sat between the Potomac and Shenandoah.

The engine house flung open with report of several guns

When it was done he looked upon the bodies of his dying sons.

David rose to beat the Philistines, with five smooth stones and a sling.

Throughout our history there are those ghosts 

Compelled to illustrate our dreams and hopes

Victors hang in pictures, losers from ropes.

Regardless they all swing in the same boat.

Yeah....yeah, yeah

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Yeah yeah

In Southampton County 'round 1831 

Nat Turner prayed and the cornstalks swayed 

A voice rose up and a text was raised.

In the planter's steak house they went from room to room

When it was done they rode along to liberate Jerusalem.

David rose to beat the Philistines, with five smooth stones and a sling.

Throughout our history there are those ghosts 

Compelled to illustrate our dreams and hopes

Victors hang in pictures, losers from ropes.

Regardless they all swing in the same boat.