Let Me Die In My Footsteps (Studio Outtake - 1962)

I will not go down under the ground
'Cause somebody tells me that death's comin' 'round
And 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 life has been lost in the wind
And some people thinkin' that the end is close by
'Stead of learnin' to live, they are learnin' 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 wood 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 about war now for many long years
I have read all their statements, and I've not said a word
But now Lord God, let my poor voice be heard

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 the 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 the canyons where the waterfalls run
Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho
Let every state in this union seep deep down in your souls
And you'll die in your footsteps before you go down under the ground