I was standing on the corner when I heard my bulldog bark
He was barking at two men who gambled in the dark
It was Stagger Lee and Billy two men who gambled late
Stagger Lee threw seven Billy swore that he threw eight

Stagger Lee told Billy I can't let you go with that
You have all my money and a brand new Stetson hat
Stagger Lee went home and he got his 44
He said I'm goin' to the parlor just to pay him that I owe

[ dobro - guitar ]
Stagger Lee went to the barroom and he stood across the barroom floor
He said nobody move and he pulled his 44
Stagger Lee cried Billy oh please don't take my life
I got three little children and a weary sickly wife

Stagger Lee shot Billy oh he shot that poor boy so bad
Till the bullet came through Billy and it broke the bartender's glass
Mhm go Stagger Lee go Stagger Lee go Stagger Lee go go go Stagger Lee

I was standing on the corner when I heard my bulldog bark...