I was with the 42nd back in 1943

I fought for freedom on the shores of every sea

But nowadays it's different, all I feel is shame

People dyin' every day and I'm the one they blame

I wish I was a swingset in some little kid's backyard

A tractor in a field or a bumper on a car

I wish I was something that couldn't hurt no one

Of all the things I could've been, I had to be a gun

They hide me in the lockers in the high school halls

I hang out on the corners, I've broken every law

I've laid their in the courtroom, tagged "Exhibit B"

Watched them go away in chains while I go back on the streets

I wish I was a swingset in some little kid's backyard

A tractor in a field or a bumper on a car

I wish I was something that couldn't hurt no one

Of all the things I could've been, I had to be a gun

Underneath the sweater, hidden on a closet shelf

His tiny hands reached for me but I couldn't scream for help

I wish I was a swingset in some little kid's backyard

A tractor in a field or a bumper on a car

I wish I was something that couldn't hurt no one

Of all the things I could've been, I had to be a gun