I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy oh, oh ooh
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy oh, oh ooh

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.

And I say:

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 them before they grow

but I swear it was in self-defense.
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense.

See also:
JustSomeLyrics
31
31.40
69 Eyes Sister Of Charity Lyrics
The Brothers Four Five Hundred Miles Lyrics