why did the cowboy shoot billy joe??

Question

you know johnny cash's song "dont take your guns to town"? i dont understand why the real cowboy at the saloon shot billy joe, what did billy do/say to him that made him wanna shoot??

Answer 1

It was a Duel

Answer 2

Well first of all he was in a saloon drinking hard liquor, I believe it was his first time to drink the hard stuff. The old cowpoke beside him started laughing at him so Billy Joe just did what comes natural to anyone drinking hard liquor in a saloon who is called out. He drew his gun but Billy was just a tad slow on the draw and the older cowpoke got the edge on him. Morale of the story... listened to your mom and don't take your guns to town, especially if your heading to the local saloon.

Answer 3

The lyrics say

"Filled with rage then

Billy Joe reached for his gun to draw

But the stranger drew his gun and fired

Before he even saw

As Billy Joe fell to the floor

The crowd all gathered 'round

And wondered at his final words"



I think Billy got himself nervous and anxious to prove himself as a man. So when the other man laughed at his shaking hands, he drew his gun on the man. However, before he could even get the gun out, the other man shot him.

Answer 4

Well.....he caught Billy Joe messing around on a " BLANKET ON THE GROUND ".....then ....she stole his " 57 CHEVROLET "....so he shot her..