The dust of Hiroshima barely fell
before he resolved to give the nod
to summon from skies a magnificent hell
An illumination worthy a god
Well, I just hope it was all for the best
When Truman said while looking west:
"May God have mercy on this lot
Whatever happens we have got
the Maxim gun and they have not"

It came to pass that Korea became
a princedom threatened by dragon and bear
The shogun thought that the dragon was lame
The dugout gaijin was not even there
But knowing many men were dead
he turned to Synghman Rhee and said
"Though all these battles have been lost
whatever happens we have got
the Maxim gun and they have not"

Another child of imperialism
the struggle in 'Nam was a drama unleashed
The strife of men is a radiant prism
when they react to novel things preached
No matter the dollars or however few
would make it alive, Goldwater knew
that ashes to ashes, dust and whatnot
whatever happened he would've got
the Maxim gun and they would not

It's there in plain sight for all to be seen
Five inches past the poster-wall
The scepter of freedom has turned nineteen
This hazardous birthday will terrorize all
It will fill your heart with lead
That when you read the center-spread
you hardly anguish, all for naught
Whatever happens we have got
the Maxim gun and they have not

So you may say that I'm privileged
I wish that I had the doomsday-toys
And mark my words now: it shall be alleged
that I'm a chaotic and ignorant voice
But life is a struggle and I am free
So hear me out and do agree
with pen and tenor burning hot
whatever happens, I have got
the Maxim gun, and who has not?