Now, Smackwater Jack,

He bought a shotgun

'Cause he was in the mood

For a little confrontation.

He just a-let it all hang loose;

He didn't think about the noose.

He couldn't take no more abuse

So he shot down the congregation.



You can't talk to a man

With a shotgun in his hand.



Now, Big Jim the chief

Stood for law and order.

He called for the guard to come

And surround the border.

Now, from his bulldog mouth,

As he led the posse south,

Came the cry, "We got to ride

To clean up the streets

For our wives and our daughters!"



You can't talk to a man

When he don't wanna understand.

No, no, no, no, no.



The account of the capture

Wasn't in the papers,

But you know, they hanged ol' Smack right then

Instead of later.

You know, the people were quite pleased

'Cause the outlaw had been seized

And on the whole, it was a very good year

For the undertaker.



You know, you know, you can't talk to a man

With a shotgun in his hand.

A shotgun in his hand.

Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun.

Yeah, Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun.

Oh, Smackwater Jack, yeah.

Talkin' 'bout Smackwater Jack, yeah.

Talkin' 'bout a-Smackwater Jack, now.

Talkin' 'bout Smack.

Talkin' 'bout Jack.

Smackwater Jack, yeah