An impressive song from Tom's album "How Come the Sun".

I HAD TO SHOOT THAT RABBIT
(Tom Paxton)

I had to shoot that rabbit.
He didn't see me standin' there;
He wasn't even runnin'.
Dogs were hollerin' everywhere.
He was afraid to run,
Somehow I was a-raisin' my gun.
Raisin' it higher;
Ready to fire.

I had to shoot that rabbit.
He was just too scared to move;
All his runnin' was over.
What did he care? What I had to prove?
It was supposed to be fun,
Somehow I was a-raisin' my gun.
It was all loaded;
Something exploded.

I had to shoot that rabbit.
It was nothing but habit.
I had to shoot that rabbit.
It was nothing but...

I had to shoot that rabbit.
Sergeant told me, "Jimmy, now, do it right."
I don't remember clearly;
He looked much too young to fight.
He couldn't run no more.
Somebody told me that war is war.
Then why am I cryin'?
And who is dyin'?

I had to shoot that rabbit.
It was nothing but habit.
I had to shoot that rabbit.
It was nothing but...

I had to shoot that rabbit.
Sergeant told me, "Jimmy, now, do it right."
I don't remember clearly;
He looked much too young to fight.
He couldn't run no more.
Somebody told me that war is war.
Then why am I cryin'?
Jesus, who is dyin'?

I had to shoot that rabbit.
It was nothing but habit.
I had to shoot that rabbit.
It was nothing but...