I was just a boy when they tied me to that tree They hung my daddy’s brother, left him swinging over me I went off to get my vengance underneath a flag of red And that angel on my shoulder she ain’t spoke to me since then.
Well I tried my hand at working, but working’s not for me So I left my wife and children in the state of misery I went off to make my living for my daughter and my son And I found an occupation at the wrong end of a gun.
Lying here looking up at the cracks in the roof Well I thought you were my friend but I guess I was a fool. There’s no pain only blood and the smoke from your gun And I ain’t on the run anymore.
I joined a band of brothers, and those brothers took my name We were feared across the country as the gang of Jesse James. Some folks call me a hero but those folks don’t know me well There’s no place for me in heaven, there’s no peace for me in hell.
Lying here looking up at the cracks in the roof Well I thought you were my friend but I guess I was a fool. There’s no pain only blood and the smoke from your gun And I ain’t on the run anymore.
I thought you were my brother, but now its come to this You’ll be off to get your silver just like Judas with no kiss And that angel on my shoulder on my shoulder looked me deeply in the eye As she turned to face the doorway, I could hear that angel cry.
Lying here looking up at the cracks in the roof Well I thought you were my friend but I guess I was a fool. With my Colt 44 lying cold on the floor Well I ain’t on the run anymore.