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 them before they grow."

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 saw 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.