I will not go down under the ground

"Cause somebody tells me that death's comin' 'round

An' I will not carry myself down to die

When I go to my grave my head will be high,

Let me die in my footsteps

Before I go down under the ground.



There's been rumors of war and wars that have been

The meaning of the life has been lost in the wind

And some people thinkin' that the end is close by

"Stead of learnin' to live they are learning to die.

Let me die in my footsteps

Before I go down under the ground.



I don't know if I'm smart but I think I can see

When someone is pullin' the wool over me

And if this war comes and death's all around

Let me die on this land 'fore I die underground.

Let me die in my footsteps

Before I go down under the ground.



There's always been people that have to cause fear

They've been talking of the war now for many long years

I have read all their statements and I've not said a word

But now Lawd God, let my poor voice be heard.

Let me die in my footsteps

Before I go down under the ground.



If I had rubies and riches and crowns

I'd buy the whole world and change things around

I'd throw all the guns and the tanks in the sea

For they are mistakes of a past history.

Let me die in my footsteps

Before I go down under the ground.



Let me drink from the waters where the mountain streams flood

Let me smell of wildflowers flow free through my blood

Let me sleep in your meadows with the green grassy leaves

Let me walk down the highway with my brother in peace.

Let me die in my footsteps

Before I go down under the ground.



Go out in your country where the land meets the sun

See the craters and