I heard he played the deathnail for a big band
He drank himself into an early grave
He carried a gun and a bottle of tequila
His fingers flew like fire when he played

Play the bajo sexto now for Johnny
Play it slowly, play it soft and low
Play the bajo sexto now for Johnny
Johnny's laying down now six below

He played for women and he played for money
He took their silver and he took their fame
He followed them into their secret bedrooms
He made the wildest cats go calm and tame

Play the bajo sexto now for Johnny
Play it slowly, play it soft and low
Play the bajo sexto now for Johnny

Johnny's laying down now six below

At last he danced with a lady, who was taken
He twirled her once to many on the floor
Her husband was man of great importance
Now Johnny isn't dancing anymore
Play the bajo sexto now for Johnny
Play it slowly, play it soft and low
Play the bajo sexto now for Johnny

Johnny's laying down now six below
Play the bajo sexto now for Johnny
Play it slowly, play it soft and low
Play the bajo sexto now for Johnny
Johnny's laying down now six below