Johnny was bad, even as a child everybody could tell
  Everyone said if you don't get straight
  You'll surely go to hell
  
  But Johnny didn't care
  He was an outlaw by the time that he was
  Ten years old
  He didn't wanna do what he was told
  Just a prankster, juvenile gangster
  
  His teachers didn't understand
  They kicked him out of school
  At a tender early age
  Just because he didn't want to learn things
  (Had other interests)
  He liked to burn things
  
  The lady down the block
  She had a radio that Johnny wanted oh so bad
  So he took it the first chance he had
  Then he shot her in the leg
  And this is what she said
  Only a lad
  You really can't blame him
  Only a lad
  Society made him
  Only a lad
  He's our responsibility
  Only a lad
  He really couldn't help it
  Only a lad
  He didn't want to do it
  Only a lad
  He's underprivileged and abused
  Perhaps a little bit confused
  
  His parents gave up they couldn't influence his attitude
  Nobody could help
  The little man had no gratitude
  
  And when he stole the care
  Nobody dreamed that he would
  Try to take it so far
  He didn't mean to hit the poor man
  Who had to go and die
  It made the judge cry
  
  Only a lad
  He really couldn't help it
  Only a lad
  He didn't want to do it
  Only a lad
  He's underprivileged and abused
  Perhaps a little bit confused
  
  It's not his fault that he can't believe
  It's not his fault that he can't behave
  Society made him go astray
  Perhaps if we're nice he'll go away
  Perhaps he'll go away
  He'll go away
  
  (Repeat chorus)
  
  Hey there Johnny you really don't fool me
  You get away with murder
  And you think it's funny
  You don't give a damn if we live or if we die
  Hey there Johnny boy
  I hope you fry!