Page type: lyric reference
Artist: The Fall
Canonical path: /the-fall/the-ballard-of-j-drummer
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
The Ballard Of J Drummer
Read The Ballard Of J Drummer lyrics by The Fall on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
The Ballard Of J Drummer
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
In year one-nine-nine-six-o-one (the last numeral was
upside down), Johnny Drummer came to the outskirts of
town.
People came out and shouted at him. Some people came
out and shouted at him, "Say, show us your
sticks." Then they went back to their computer
tricks.
He'd hit a town with no life, to begin, where they
forgot the facts. Two sticks make up a cross. Why is
it always this way? Why do they always have to say,
"Hey, Johnny, get out of the way."
He looked in the mirror and said, "I am not
him." He stood outside a bar and raised the nerve
to go in. The window hosted at least 45 men. Wondered
which one was waiting for him. And the boy at the
machine meant him no harm, but to him the boy was
staring again at him. The rhythm over in his head
again.
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "The Ballard Of J Drummer"?
The Fall performs "The Ballard Of J Drummer", and this lyric page sits inside the The Fall catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "The Ballard Of J Drummer"?
Yes. The related section below points to A Figure Walks and Guest Informant with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by The Fall?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through The Fall's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on The Ballard Of J Drummer yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.