Coward of the County
Courage Unleashed: A Tale of Redemption and Justice
Lyrics
Everyone considered him the coward of the county
Tommy is perceived as the coward in the county by everyone.
He'd never stood one single time to prove the county wrong
Tommy has never taken a stand to prove his bravery to the county.
His mama named him Tommy, but folks just called him yellow
Tommy is called "yellow," implying he is considered cowardly.
Something always told me they were reading Tommy wrong
The narrator senses that people have misunderstood Tommy.
He was only ten years old when his daddy died in prison
Tommy's father died in prison when he was ten years old.
I looked after Tommy, 'cause he was my brother's son
The narrator looks after Tommy because he is the son of the narrator's brother.
I still recall the final words my brother said to Tommy
The narrator recalls his brother's final words to Tommy about life beginning for him.
"Son, my life is over, but yours has just begun"
The brother advises Tommy to avoid his mistakes and start anew.
"Promise me, son, not to do the things I've done
The brother requests Tommy not to repeat his errors.
Walk away from trouble if you can
Tommy is advised to avoid trouble whenever possible.
It won't mean you're weak if you turn the other cheek
Turning the other cheek is suggested as a sign of strength, not weakness.
I hope you're old enough to understand
The hope that Tommy understands these life lessons is expressed.
Son, you don't have to fight to be a man"
Tommy is told he doesn't have to fight to prove his manhood.
There's someone for everyone, and Tommy's love was Becky
Tommy's love interest is Becky.
In her arms, he didn't have to prove he was a man
In Becky's arms, Tommy doesn't need to prove himself.
One day while he was working, the Gatlin boys came calling
The Gatlin boys harass Becky while Tommy is working.
They took turns at Becky, n'there was three of them
Three Gatlin boys take turns assaulting Becky.
Tommy opened up the door, and saw his Becky crying
Tommy sees Becky distraught and can't bear the sight.
The torn dress, the shattered look was more than he could stand
The emotional impact on Tommy is overwhelming.
He reached above the fireplace, and took down his daddy's picture
Tommy retrieves his father's picture from above the fireplace.
As the tears fell on his daddy's face, he heard these words again
Tommy recalls his father's words as tears fall on the picture.
"Promise me, son, not to do the things I've done
The father's plea not to repeat his mistakes is reiterated.
Walk away from trouble if you can
Tommy is reminded to avoid trouble whenever possible.
Now, it won't mean you're weak if you turn the other cheek
Turning the other cheek is emphasized again.
I hope you're old enough to understand
The hope that Tommy understands these lessons is repeated.
Son, you don't have to fight to be a man"
Tommy is reminded he doesn't have to fight to prove his manhood.
The Gatlin boys just laughed at him when he walked into the barroom
The Gatlin boys mock Tommy when he enters the bar.
One of them got up and met him halfway 'cross the floor
One Gatlin boy confronts Tommy as he approaches.
When Tommy turned around they said, "hey look, old yeller's leaving"
The Gatlin boys comment on Tommy leaving, calling him "old yeller."
But you could've heard a pin drop when Tommy stopped and locked the door
The room falls silent as Tommy locks the door, ready to confront his past.
Twenty years of crawling was bottled up inside him
Twenty years of suppressed emotions are unleashed as Tommy confronts the Gatlin boys.
He wasn't holding nothin' back, he let 'em have it all
Tommy holds nothing back in the confrontation.
When Tommy left the barroom, not a Gatlin boy was standing
After leaving the bar, none of the Gatlin boys remain standing.
He said, "this one's for Becky, as he watched the last one fall
Tommy dedicates his actions to Becky as the last Gatlin boy falls.
"I promised you, Dad, not to do the things you've done
Tommy recalls his promise to his father not to repeat his mistakes.
I walk away from trouble when I can
He reiterates his commitment to avoid trouble whenever possible.
Now please don't think I'm weak, I didn't turn the other cheek
Tommy clarifies that not turning the other cheek doesn't make him weak.
And papa, I sure hope you understand
He expresses the hope that his father understands his actions.
Sometimes you gotta fight when you're a man"
Tommy acknowledges that sometimes fighting is necessary for manhood.
Everyone considered him the coward of the county
The cycle of perception repeats as Tommy is again considered the coward.
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