Sheriff John Brown just wandered into town

Looking for a cripple and a thief

A black man and a woman and a lonesome guy like me

Just trying to raise the stakes so we can be free

The dustballs were blowing the sun it cracked the ground

Where could a crime like this ever be found

Good people of the town said to sheriff John Brown

Go and shoot those invalids right down

I said Sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now



What exactly have they done said sheriff John Brown

For me to shoot those poor old bastards down

Then outstepped the preacher with his hand upon his heart

Can't you see that I've been chosen by god

And I tell you this for nothing

That crowd ain't no good

They're standing out just like a sore thumb

But yes I do agree said the lawyer on the left

I'd kill them now if it were up to me



But I said sheriff don't be cruel it could happen to you now



Out into the wilderness the sheriff he did ride

Heading for the river bridge the laws you must abide

Two hours became three, I knew he would come for me

The day grew long and I began to tire

John Brown's face appeared from behind the fire

Boys and girls whatcho doing gonna be so free

The people of the town talk dissapprovingly

Don't want to take you in, thats not up to me



I said sheriff don't be cruel it could happen to you now



But guilt and doubt they cloud his mind

He thought what exactly is the law

He didn't even know what it stood for

And who pays the cost for all that is lost

Seems to me an impossibility

And who says whats right and who says whats wrong

Who benefits it sure ain't me

And outstepped the woman saying we mean you no harm

Come closer and I will read your