I Shot The Sheriff

Eric Clapton

1. I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
   I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

   All around in my home town
   They're trying to track me down
   They say they want to bring me in guilty
   For the life of a deputy. But I say

2. I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense
   I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense

   Sheriff John Brown always hated me
   For what I don't know
   Every time that I plant a seed
   He said "Kill it before it grows"
   He said "Kill it before it grows" I say!

3. 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 yeah
   All of a sudden I see sheriff John Brown
   Aiming to shoot me down
   So I shot, I shot him down I say!

4. 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 well
   But one day the bottom will drop out
   Yes, one day the bottom will drop out. But I say

5. I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no
   I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot no deputy, oh no