About the song
Few things capture the spirit of the American West quite like country music, and few artists today embody that heritage as authentically as Ned LeDoux. The son of the legendary Chris LeDoux, Ned has carried on his father’s legacy while forging his own path, blending traditional cowboy storytelling with a modern country sound. One of his most compelling songs, “Johnson County War,” is a gripping ballad that takes listeners deep into the history of the American frontier, telling a tale of conflict, survival, and the enduring fight for justice.
The Johnson County War was a real and bloody struggle in Wyoming during the late 19th century, when wealthy cattle barons clashed with small homesteaders over land and resources. It was a classic David-versus-Goliath battle, where powerful ranchers hired gunmen to drive out—or kill—smaller ranchers whom they accused of cattle rustling. This violent chapter in Western history has been the subject of books, films, and songs, but Ned LeDoux’s version brings it to life in a way that only great country music can—through evocative lyrics, a driving melody, and a raw, no-nonsense delivery.
From the very first notes, “Johnson County War” sets a tone that is both haunting and determined. The rhythm has the feel of a rider galloping across the open plains, and the instrumentation—rooted in classic country with a touch of modern grit—gives the song a timeless quality. LeDoux sings with conviction, his voice carrying the weight of history and the pride of those who fought for their land. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of the struggle, making it clear that this wasn’t just a fight over cattle—it was a fight for survival, dignity, and a way of life.
One of the song’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect the past with the present. While “Johnson County War” tells a story from the 1890s, its themes of power, justice, and resilience are just as relevant today. That’s the magic of great country music—it doesn’t just recount history; it makes you feel like you’re living it.
For those who appreciate Western history, storytelling, and authentic country music, “Johnson County War” is a must-listen. It’s a song that honors the spirit of the American West, not just by recounting the past, but by keeping its stories alive for new generations. Ned LeDoux may be following in his father’s footsteps, but with songs like this, he’s proving that he’s a great artist in his own right—one who understands that the best country music isn’t just heard, it’s felt.
Video
Lyrics
Headed for Wyoming in 1882A woman, a team and a dragongonna make our dreams come trueSettled in the foothills of the big,worn mountain slopesLife was sweet, we lived on the meat ofthe Deer and the AntelopeWe cut house logs up on the mountainwith a team we hauled ’em downBuilt and we stacked ’em up[?] some bottom groundTraded for some cattle,turned them out on the open rangeSkies were blue but we never knewhow things were gonna changeOld Powder River, you’re muddyand you’re wideHow many men have died along your shoreWhen you brand a man a rustler,he’s gotta take a sideThere’s no middle ground in this Johnson County WarWhen the neighbours stopped by yesterdaywhile I was outside chopping woodTo fill me in on the local newsain’t none of it sounded goodSaid there’s been some cattle stealingby some local outlaw bandWe’d all been branded rustlersby the big ranchers of this landSo it’s us against the cattle menand the years just made it worseFirst the drought and then the tough winterJohnson County been dealt a curseThen there came a story about the two [?]Harrisson Jones and John Tisdale, both shot inthe backOld Powder River, you’re muddyand you’re wideHow many men have died along your shoreWhen you brand a man a rustler,he’s gotta take a sideThere’s no middle ground in this Johnson County WarThen last night at supper timewell a rider stopped by chanceHe said the cattle men, their hired gunsjust burned the Casey ranchTwo men had died this morningShot down in the snowNow the vigilante army was on the march to BuffaloWell the county was in an uproarevery man saddled up to rideThey got the cattle men at the T.A ranchAnd surrounded all four sidesThey [?] the house with bulletsswore they were [?]Then the calvary came from across the plainsonce again they saved the dayWell they marched them off to CheyenneNo one went to jailThe cattle men were all turned looseand their hired guns hit the trailAnd I guess the only justicewasn’t much to say the leastLast winter me and mine ate mighty fineon the cattle burns beefOld Powder River, you’re muddyand you’re wideHow many men have died along your shoreWhen you brand a man a rustler,he’s gotta take a sideNo middle ground in this Johnson County WarThere’s no middle ground in this Johnson County War