We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Hammer and a Gun

from We'll Tell Stories by Mary Lou Fulton

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Sometimes it's nice to hold music in your hand! The We'll Tell Stories CD comes in a fold-out case with a parchment-style design featuring family photographs and a 12-page booklet with lyrics, credits and appreciations. Mary Lou will sign each CD with gratitude!

    Includes unlimited streaming of We'll Tell Stories via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $12 USD or more 

     

about

This song is about my grandpa, who loved me best. Grandpa made his own way in the world after being kicked out of the house when he was just 15. He became a carpenter who loved to hunt, fish, drink, cuss and play cards. Grandpa was rough around the edges and told lots of stories, many of which were true. He spoiled me, taking me on fishing trips and showing me there was a world beyond our small Arizona town. I hope Grandpa is listening to this song in heaven with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.

lyrics

HAMMER AND A GUN
Lyrics and music by Mary Lou Fulton

He was born a farmer’s son
On the plains of Oregon
Worked the golden fields of wheat
With a plow and aching feet
When he said he wanted more
His daddy kicked him out the door
It was 1923… and grandpa was just 15

Hitched a ride to the coast
Found a job building boats
Loved the sea and salty air
Living life without a care
Then he drank too much one night
There was a pistol and a fight
Wanted by the law
He left town before dawn

Farmer’s son
Black sheep on the run
Out to make his fortune with a hammer and a gun
Farmer’s son
Never knew what he’d become
Dreaming and believing
With a hammer and a gun
A hammer and a gun

Arizona called his name
Settled down, and learned a trade
Met a blonde and he fell hard
Had a son and bought a farm
He still drank and cussed and smoked
Loved to tell a joke
Kept his family fed
And kept a rifle by his bed

I would sit on Grandpa’s knee
Hear the stories he’d tell me
Took me for banana splits
Let me drive with no permit
Taught me how to fish
How to sew a saddle stitch
To push through every door
And never stop wanting more

Farmer’s son
Black sheep on the run
Living out his life with just a hammer and a gun
Farmer’s son
Taught me what I could become
Dreaming and believing
With a hammer and a gun
A hammer and a gun

credits

from We'll Tell Stories, released October 15, 2021

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Mary Lou Fulton image

Mary Lou Fulton Long Beach, California

Award-winning songwriter Mary Lou Fulton is back with a new single, the hard-grooving Many More of Us about the majority of Americans who want women to have the freedom to decide about having children. This track builds on the success of her debut album reached the Top 15 on the national folk music charts. ... more

contact / help

Contact Mary Lou Fulton

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Report this track or account

If you like Mary Lou Fulton, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now