My Father's Gun

"My Father's Gun" is the title of two different songs: the first one, most famous, by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin and another born during the American Civil War, written by Joe English, sung by the Irish-bred soldiers of the Union, and actually performed by David Kincaid, included in his album "The Irish Volunteer: Songs Of Union Soldiers 1861-1865".[2][3] The song by Elton John is the fifth track on his third studio album, Tumbleweed Connection.[1] The song tells the story of a young Confederate whose father has just been killed during the American Civil War. After burying his father in the South, he takes up his father's gun and goes off to rejoin the fighting, longing for a future after the victory of their cause. According to Elton, this was one of Bob Dylan's favourites when they first met in 1970. In live performances it was an extended ballad. John played the song in the same set as what became the 17-11-70 live album, though it has not been performed in concert since.

This song was also featured on the soundtrack to the film Elizabethtown, starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst.

A cover of the song was performed by country singer Miranda Lambert for the 2018 tribute album Restoration: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

The song was also covered on the Rickie Lee Jones album Kicks released in 2019.