Johnny came home off the road today lookin' sick and lean
Said somethin' about seein' half of the world and everything in between
Well his wife and kids they lost their heads, thought they'd never see him again
The last they knew he was a T.V. star, they'd seen him in T.V. land
Chorus
So Darlin' light up those old home fires
Get the family around the telephone wire
When I shipped out thought you'd never find me another way back in
I don't wanna go there again
Well the folks came over, kids played red rover, Maggie opened up the finest wine
A toast was made, table cleared away, everybody had a really good time
And the weeks flew by like a bird that flies until a knock came upon the door
“Good day Johnny, its been some time. We've found you another war”
Chorus
Well mister I hope, I hope you are kiddin'
I like livin' and I like this breathin'
When I shipped out thought you'd never find me another way back in
I don't wanna go there again
Well later that night when the time was right they talked about getting out
Maybe on up to Canada or maybe down further south
Well across that line in short due time they were registered as refugees
“So sorry Johnny, we gotta turn you back, Uncle Sam well he's the man we've gotta please”
Chorus
Well I guess that my dreams just expired
Get the family around the telephone wire
When I shipped out thought you'd never find me another way back in
I don't wanna go there again
Well you can burn me in those old home fires
Scatter my ashes around the telephone wire
Well I guess I'm shipping out when that boat comes in
I'm heading back there again