[BALLADEER]
Someone tell the story,
Someone sing the song.

Every now and then
The country Goes a little wrong.

Every now and then
A madman's Bound to come along.
Doesn't stop the story-
Story's pretty strong.
Doesn't change the song...

Johnny Booth was a handsome devil,
Got up in his rings and fancy silks.
Had him a temper but kept it level.
Everybody called him Wilkes.

Why did you do it, Johnny?
Nobody agrees.
You who had everything,
What made you bring
A nation to its knees?

Some say it was your voice had gone, 
Some say it was booze.
They say you killed a coutry, John,
Because of bad reviews.

Johnny lived with a grace and glitter.
Kind of like the lives he lived on stage.
Died in a barn in pain and bitter
Twenty-seven years of age.

Why did you do it, Johnny,
Throw it all away?
Why did you do it, boy, 
Not just destroy
The pride and joy
Of Illinois, 
But all the U.S.A.?

Your brother made you jealous, John,
You couldn't fill his shoes.
Was that the reason, tell us, John-
Along with bad reviews.

[BOOTH]
Damn!

[HEROLD]
They're coming! They'll be here any minute-

[BOOTH]
I need your help, Davy. 

I've got to write this and I can't hold the pen

[HEROLD]
Johnny, they've found us! 
We've got to get out of here!

[BOOTH]
No! I have t