I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy



All around in my home town

They're trying to track me down

They say they want to bring me in guilty

For the killing of a deputy

For the life of a deputy

But I say:



I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense



Sheriff John Brown always hated me

For what I don't know

Every time that I plant a seed

He said, "Kill it before it grows"

He said, "Kill it before it grows"

I say:



I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense



Freedom came my way one day

And I started out of town

All of a sudden I see sheriff John Brown

Aiming to shoot me down

So I shot, I shot him down

I say:



I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy



Reflexes got the better of me

And what is to be must be

Every day the bucket goes to the well

But one day the bottom will drop out

Yes, one day the bottom will drop out

But I say:



I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no