Staggerlee went down to the levee, just about the break of day
He spot Billy gamblin', so he sat down to play
Staggerlee and Billy did gamble, they gambled mighty late
Staggerlee pulled a Seven, Billy swore that he pulled an Eight
Now, Staggerlee said to Billy, "You can't get away with that
It's bad enough to take my money, you can't have my Stetson hat"
Staggerlee said to Billy, "You better get on by the track
I ain't gonna k** ya now, but don't be here when I get back"
[Chorus]
Staggerlee, Staggerlee, you're the meanest boy in town
When that boy is dealin', you better lay your money down
Down in New Orleans, they got that Lions Club
And every step you step, you're steppin', brother, in Billy DeLyons blood
Staggerlee went home to his woman, and he got his .44
I'm gonna fix old Billy's wagon, so he won't deal wrong no more
Staggerlee went back to the levee, he saw Billy hangin' around
Staggerlee shot poor Billy, you that boy took it sittin' down
Chorus
Now, the sheriff he said to Staggerlee, "You better leave this town
When I find Billy's body, I'm gonna have to run ya down"
Staggerlee turned to the sheriff, these are the very words that he said
"The man I run away from ain't been born and his mammy's dead"
Chorus
Now, Staggerlee went up to Heaven, and he met St. Peter there
You better go the other way, boy, we don't allow no gamblers here
Staggerlee said to the Devil, "Hey Devil, get off your shelf
My name is Staggerlee, and I'm gonna run this place myself"
Chorus