"He Was a Friend of Mine"

This song was recorded by The Byrds, was included on their album in 1965.

In this version, the song's melody is modify and the lyrics are changed to lament John Kennedy's assassination.

 

He was a friend of mine, he was a friend of mine
His killing had no purpose, no reason or rhyme
He was a friend of mine
He was in Dallas town, he was in Dallas town
From a sixth floor window a gunner shot him down
He was in Dallas town
He never knew my name, he never knew my name
Though I never met him I knew him just the same
Oh he was a friend of mine
Leader of a nation for such a precious time
He was a friend of mine

 

"Abraham, Martin and John"

Recorded first by Dion; the title refers to assassination victims Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy. In the song, the lyrics mention Robert F. Kennedy ("Bobby"), as well.

 

 Has anybody here seen my old friend Abraham?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
You know, I just looked around and he's gone.

Anybody here seen my old friend John?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
I just looked around and he's gone.

Anybody here seen my old friend Martin?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
I just looked 'round and he's gone.

Didn't you love the things that they stood for?
Didn't they try to find some good for you and me?
And we'll be free
Some day soon, and it's a-gonna be one day ...

Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up over the hill,
With Abraham, Martin and John.

 

[Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/d/dion/abraham_martin_and_john.html]