MacArthurs Hand by Cal Smith Lyrics

[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
When the judge pronounced him guilty to the charge of vagrancy
He said I've heard Your Honor now Your Honor you hear me

[Chorus]
For I once shook the great MacArthur's hand
He pinned his medal on me 'cause I was his kind of man
I stood my ground in that red hot hell when brave 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 not a thief or beggar and it's no crime to be broke
I hadn't harmed a single soul when they arrested me
I was fit to fight your war am I not fit to walk your streets

[Verse 3]
Now I came through that war unharmed that's what the records show
But MacArthur felt and saw the scars that war left on my soul
And frankly I don't give a damn what your kind thinks 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 his medal on me 'cause I was his kind of man
I stood my ground in that red hot hell when brave men turned and ran
Yes I once shook the great MacArthur's hand
Yes I once shook the great MacArthur's hand