You Can't Get a Man With a Gun

By Irving Berlin

from Annie Get Your Gun

Oh, my mother was frightened by a shotgun they say,
That's why I'm such a wonderful shot.
I'd be out in the cactus and I'd practice all day.
And now tell me what have I got?

I'm quick on the trigger,
With targets not much bigger
Than a pinpoint, I'm number one.
But my score with a feller
Is lower than a celler;
Oh, you can't get a man with a gun.

When I'm with a pistol
I sparkle like a crystal,
Yes, I shine like the morning sun,
But I lose all my luster
When with a bronco buster;
Oh, you can't get a man with a gun.

With a gun, with a gun,
No you can't get a man with a gun.
If I went to battle
With someone's herd of cattle,
You'd have steak when the job was done,
But if I shot the herder
They'd holler bloody murder,
And you can't shoot a male in the tale like a quail;
Oh, you can't get a man with a gun.

I'm cool, brave nad daring
To see a lion glaring
When I'm out with my Remington
But a look from a mister
Will raise a fever blister
Oh you can't get a man with a gun

The gals with umbrellers
Are always out with fellers
In the rain or the blazing sun.
But a man never trifles
With gals who carry rifles
Oh you can't get a man with a gun

With a gun, with a gun,
No you can't get a man with a gun.
A man's love is mighty,
He'll even buy a nightie
For a gal who he thinks is fun,
But they don't buy pajamas
For pistol packin' mamas
And you can't get a hug from a mug with a slug;
Oh, you can't get a man with a gun.

If I shot a rabbit,
Some furrier would grab it
For a coat that would warm someone;
But you can't shoot a lover
And use him for a cover
Oh, you can't get a man with a gun.

If I shot an eagle,
Althought it isn't legal,
He'd be stuffed when the job was done,
But you can't stuff a feller And watch him turnin' yeller;
Oh, you can't get a man with a gun.

With a gun, with a gun,
No, you can't get a man with a gun.
A Tom, Dick or Harry
Will build a house for Carrie
When the preacher has made them one,
But he can't build you houses
With buck-shot in his trousers,
For a man may be hot, but he's not when he's shot
Oh, you can't get a man with a gun

Return to Lyrics & Stuff or Main Page.