I was standing on the corner when I heard my bulldog bark
He was barkin' at the two men who were gamblin' 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 won all my money and my brand new stetson hat

Stagger Lee started off goin' down that railroad track
He said, I can't get you Billy but don't be here when I come back

Stagger Lee went home and he got his fourty-four
Said, I'm goin' to the barroom just to pay that debt I owe

Stagger Lee went to the barroom and he stood across the barroom door
He said, Nobody move, and he pulled his fourty-four

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