I shot the sheriff

But I did not shoot the deputy

I shot the sheriff

But I didn't shoot the deputy

All around my home town

They're trying to track me down

They say the want to bring me in guilty

For the killing of the deputy

For the life of a deputy

I said

I shot the sheriff

But I swear it was in self defense

I shot the sheriff

And they say it was a capitol offense

Sheriff John Brown always hated me

For what? I don't know

But every time that I plant a seed

He said, "Kill it before it grows"

He said, "Kill it before it grows"

I said

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

Aimin' to shoot me down

So I shot, I shot him down

I said

I shot the sheriff

But I did not shoot the deputy

I shot the sheriff

But I didn't shoot the deputy

Reflexes got the better of me

And what is to be must be

Every day the bucket falls to the world

One day the bottom will drop out

Yes, one day the bottom will drop out

I said

I shot the sheriff

But I didn't shoot the deputy

Oh, no, oh, no

I shot the sheriff

But I did not shoot no deputy

Oh, no