MacArthur’s Hand

[Verse 1]
With high cheekbones and dark, sad eyes and shaggy, coarse, black hair
The old man squared his shoulders and returned the judge's stare
Then the judge pronounced him guilty on the charge of vagrancy
He said, "I've heard, your Honor. Now, your Honor, listen to me"

[Chorus]
"For I once shook the great MacArthur's hand
He pinned a medal on me 'cause I was his kind of man
'cause I stood my ground in that red-hot hell when good men turned and ran
Yes, I once shook the great MacArthur's hand"

[Verse 2]
"I've got no job or money, just a few old ragged clothes
But I'm no thief or beggar and it's no crime to be broke
And I hadn't harmed a single soul when they arrested me
I was fit to fight your war. Ain't I fit to walk your streets?"

[Chorus]
"For I once shook the great MacArthur's hand
He pinned a medal on me 'cause I was his kind of man
I stood my ground in that red-hot hell when good men turned and ran
Yes, I once shook the great MacArthur's hand"

[Verse 3]
"I came through hell unharmed, that's what the records show
But MacArthur knew the scars and hurt the war left on men's souls
And I'm not at all concerned about what your kind think of me
I earned a great man's handshake and that's all the pride I need"

[Chorus]
"For I once shook the great MacArthur's hand
He pinned a medal on me 'cause I was his kind of man
I stood my ground in that red-hot hell when good men turned and ran
Yes, I once shook the great MacArthur's hand"