The Baron

Johnny Cash

R: Wish I had a known you when you were a little younger 
   'round me you might have learned a thing or two
   If I'd had known you longer you might be a little stronger
   Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do, maybe you'd shoot 
   straighter than you do.

1. As he walked into the poolroom you could tell he didn't fit
   In his hand made boots, custom suit, pearl handled shootin' stick
   Tonight there'd be a showdown then everyone would know
   Who shoots the meanest game around, The Baron or Billy Joe
   
   Billy Joe looked edgy, about to lose his cool
   But the Baron's hands were steady as the two began to duel
   Yeah, he was like a General on a battlefield of slate
   And he would say to Billy Joe each time he sunk the eight, he'd 
   say...

R: I wish I had of known...

2. Now Billy Joe was busted but he hadn't felt the sting
   And from the far end of the table he threw his Mother's wedding ring
   And he said 'You won my money but it ain't gonna do the trick
   I'll bet this ring on one more game against your fancy stick'
   
   The Baron's eyes grew foggy as the ring rolled on the felt
   And he almost doubled over like he was hit below the belt
   Twenty years ago it was the ring his wife had worn
   And he didn't know before he left that a son would soon be born

3. It sounded just like thunder when the Baron shot the break
   But it grew quickly quiet as he lined up the eight
   Then a warm hand touched his shoulder and it chilled him to the bone
   When he turned and saw the woman who had loved him for so long.
   
   The game was never finished, the eight ball never fell
   The Baron calmly picked it up and put it on the shelf
   Then he placed the ring in the hand that held him long ago
   And he tossed that fancy shootin' stick to his son Billy Joe
   And he said....

R: Wish I had a known you when you were a little younger 'round me you 
                              
   might have learned a thing or two
   If I'd had known you longer you might be a little stronger
   Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do, maybe you'd shoot 
   straighter than you do.