Traditional American Murder Ballad

Well, yes, hello may name is Jed.
Left California in an old Ford's bed.
T'was hot in the day; cold in the night.
Shot the driver at first daylight.

Some years ago, I took a shine to cards.
Took a lot of money; some took it hard.
Day after day; night after night, I
Couldn't get a drink and not get a fight.

After a while, I thought to settle down.
Bought my lady a rock and a gown.
Worked all day; drank all night.
It was fine by me; she said it weren't right.

She filed her papers and she took our boy.
Let me plead my case before old Judge Roy.
I didn't care for my wife, less for the kid.
Left with no money and two mouths need fed.

Some folks say I ain't the forgiving kind.
And it's true I ain't one to change my mind.
Waited two long days; waited two long nights.
Made goddamn sure them two slept all right.

Well, yes, hello my name is Jed.
Spent fifteen years with a price on my head.
Some get betrayed; some get caught.
I keep a double ought under my cot.

Now you might say I've lived in sin.
But you're the one who invited me in.
You can pray to god; beg if you like.
It ain't personal, just a day in my life.