Lyrics

Early one mornin' while makin' the rounds
I took a shot of cocaine and I shot my baby down
I shot her down cause she made me sick
And I stuck that lovin' .44 beneath my head

Got up next mornin' and I grabbed that gun
I took a shot of cocaine and away I run
Made a good run, but I ran too slow
They overtook me down in Mexico

Takin' the road, she's takin' the pill
When in walks the sheriff from Jericho Hill
Hey Willy Lee your name is not Jack Brown
You're the dirty heck that shot your woman down

Yes sir-e, oh yes my name is Willy Lee
If you've got the warrant you'd better read it to me
Shot her down because she made me sore
I thought I was her daddy but she had five more

When I was arrested, I was dressed in black
They put me on a freight train and hauled me back
I had no friend for to go my bail
Well, they slapped my dried up carcass in that county jail

The next mornin' 'bout a half past nine
I spied the sheriff coming down the line
The sheriff said as he cleared his throat
He said come on you dirty heck into that district court

The very next mornin' my trial began
Where I was judged by twelve honest men
Just as the jury walked d out
I saw the little judge commence to look about

In about five minutes, in walks a man
Holding the verdict in his right hand
The verdict said in the third degree
I shot him, hollered Lordy, please have a mercy on me

The judge he smiled as he picked up his pen
99 years in the San-Quen pen
99 years that should make me proud
I can't forget the day I shot that bad bitch down

C'mon you've gotta listen unto me
Lay off that whiskey, and let that cocaine be

Trivia

• Was originally written and performed by Johnny Cash.

Appearances

• On the compilation Time's Incinerator.