They had a warrant out for me
All over the country
And I was trying to beat two raps in Idaho
I was breaking into a schoolhouse
Sunday morning without warning
When I saw the sheriff coming
For me slow from down below
His steel grey eyes were blazing
When he saw me
His hand was on his gun
When he rode up
He said, "You killed that woman
I know you shot her
Why'd you do it?
I'm taking you to Austin
Then I'm gonna lock you up"
Well, he tied me with a plow line
The next morning
And he had me deep in Texas
The next day
A crazy screaming lynch mob
Waited in the streets of Austin
But he put me in the jailhouse
And he threw the key away
A jury found me guilty
Three months later
Twelve evil men
With murder in their eyes
They even took me out
And said, "Now show us
Where you killed her"
And that wicked judge said
"Now I here by sentence you to die"
But here I am far away from Austin prison
My friend the jailer
Handed me a file
Now all I want between me and there
Are a lot of friendly people
And miles, and miles, and miles
And miles, and miles, and miles, and miles