I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot the deputy (2x)
 
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 capitol offense
 
Sheriff John Brown always hated me
For what, I do not know
Every time I plant a seed
He say kill it before it grow
He say kill them before they grow, and so...
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense (2x)
 
Freedom came my way one day
And I started out of town
When all of a sudden I saw sheriff John Brown
Aiming to shoot me down
So, I shot, I shot him down
So I say, if I am guilty I will pay...
I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot the deputy (2x)
 
Reflections got the better of me
And what is to be, must be
Everyday the bucket goes to the well
But, one day the bottom will drop out
One day the bottom will drop out and I say...
I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot the deputy (2x)