Song meaning of Johnson County War by Ned LeDoux

The lyrics of "Johnson County War" by Ned LeDoux tell the story of the historic conflict that took place in Johnson County, Wyoming in the late 19th century. Through the perspective of a local resident, the song portrays the hardships and tensions faced by settlers in the region.

The lyrics emphasize the initial optimism and dreams of a new life in Wyoming. However, as time passes, the community faces challenges such as drought, a tough winter, and accusations of cattle stealing. These challenges escalate into a full-blown war between the settlers and the big ranchers, leading to violence and death.

The song highlights the lack of justice in the conflict, as the hired guns of the cattle men escape punishment while the vigilant settlers are left to deal with the consequences. The lyrics also allude to the idea that survival in such a war requires taking a side and making difficult choices.

Overall, the message conveyed by the lyrics is one of the harsh realities faced by the settlers and the lack of fairness in the Johnson County War. It serves as a reminder of the violence and injustice that can arise when conflicting interests collide and the struggle for power and control takes precedence over the lives of individuals.