Stagolee

Stagolee went down to the levee
Just about the break of day
Saw old Billy a-gamblin', so
He set him down to stay
Stagolee and Billy they gambled
Gambled mighty late
Stagolee drew a seven, Billy
He swore he drew an eight
Stagolee said to Billy
"You can't get away with that
Bad enough to take my money, but
You can't have my Stetson hat."
Stagolee said to Billy
"You better run down by the track
'Cause I ain't gonna shoot you now
But don't be here when I get back."

Chorus:
Stagolee, Stagolee
Meanest boy around
Stagolee is dealin', boy
You better lay your money down
Way down in New Orleans
Got the Lyon's club
And every step you step
You're steppin' in Billy the Lyon's blood

Stagolee went back to his woman
And he got his forty-four
"Gonna fix ol' Billy's wagon, so
He won't gamble wrong no more."
Stagolee went back to the levee
Billy still hangin' around
Stagolee drew his gun, and
Poor Billy he went down

(Chorus)
Sheriff said to Stagolee
"You better leave this town
If I find old Billy's body
I'm gonna have to run you down."
Stagolee said to the Sheriff
The very words that he said
"The man I run away from
He ain't born yet on his mammy's bed."
Stagolee went to heaven
And he met St. Peter there
"Go the other way, boy
We don't allow no gamblers here."
Stagolee said to the Devil
"You better get back on your shelf
'Cause my name is Stagolee
And I'm gonna run this place myself."

(Chorus)