Lyrics:

This song is about John Brown, the American abolitionist. For some folks, he’s considered an American hero, to others, he was essentially a terrorist.
It’s pretty clear which side Rancid comes down on here…
John Brown set the tone in America today
Abolitionist understand freedom to the despondent man
Grant said you're either one: a patriot or a traitor's son
It's a sanguinary conclusion
A sanguinary conclusion
A sanguinary conclusion, yeah!

John Brown, John Brown
John Brown, John Brown
John Brown, John Brown
John Brown, John Brown
John Brown, John Brown
Yeah!

John Brown set the tone in America today
Abolitionist understand freedom to the despondent man
Grant said you're either one: a patriot or a traitor's son
It's a sanguinary conclusion
A sanguinary conclusion
A sanguinary conclusion, yeah!

John Brown, John Brown
John Brown, John Brown
John Brown, John Brown
John Brown, John Brown
John Brown, John Brown
Yeah!