True, it's not a dissertation. It's the lyrics to a song. There are lots of songs wherein the lyrics include a great deal of truth and wisdom. Then there are some that are almost pure boulderdash. Where do you suppose Mr. Cash'es song is on the spectrum I've defined? I guess it depends on the young man in question. Depending upon his disposition, maturity, ability, the character of the town, etc., he may be better off taking his gun rather than leaving it at home. Maybe his mother is just adamantly set against guns. There have been such mothers, you know?