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.