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Lyrics - The Ballad of John Muir

by Patrick Michael Karnahan

Words and music written by Patrick Michael Karnahan in 1997
Copyright 1994 Patrick Michael Karnahan
Performed by the Black Irish Band

See also: Song Sheet with Guitar chords: HTML | PDF


From the banks of Scotland to the California coast,
Into the mountains lIke a child!
They said they he was crazy for the trees they were his friends
He was a man of Nature; would defend her to the end!

Refrain:

Across the rivers, far and wild,
To the forests like a mother to her child!
How the canyons and the mountains sing!
John Muir's out there, if only we believe!

How men rape the forest, move the earth to build the mines;
Gold the only lure for their crimes.
John would never let the axe bite or that shovel fall.
He tried to save the beauty for us, one and all!

Refrain

(Instrumental bridge)

Repeat Refrain

The rainforest now depleted, no ozone the sun will shine
Don't we know we're running out of time?
Are we all such fools to rob this world blind?
Don't we know that tomorrow never waits on mankind?

Refrain

Lyrics and music © Copyright 1994 by Patrick Michael Karnahan



The Ballad of John Muir Song Main Page (and sound clip)

Other John Muir Songs

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