[Willie Nelson]
Was it bitter then
With our backs against the wall?

[Kris Kristofferson]
Were we better men
Than we'd ever been before?

[Willie Nelson]
Say, if she came again today
Would you still answer to the call?

[Kris Kristofferson]
Tell the truth my friend
Don't it matter anymore?

[Willie Nelson]
We were simple men
By her side when she was born

[Kris Kristofferson, spoken]
Talkin' about the dream

[Johnny Cash]
It was simple then
Like the freedom when you fall
And we were smaller then you see
But soon we gathered like a storm
They don't understand
What that thunder meant at all
[Instrumental break]

[Willie Nelson]
Was he crucified
Was he done in by the law?

[Kris Kristofferson]
Are you satisfied
That he'll never ride again?

[Waylon Jennings]
Some people say he got away
They say he never died at all

[Johnny Cash]
If that story's true
Does it bother you my friend?

[Kris Kristofferson]
Was it bitter then
With our backs against the wall?
Spoken
Say, two thousand years ago

[Willie Nelson]
Were we better men
Than we'd ever been before?
Spoken
Or two hundred years ago
[Kris Kristofferson]
Say, if she came again today
Would you still answer to the call?
[Johnny Cash, spoken]
Or tomorrow

[Kris Kristofferson]
Tell the truth my friend
Don't it matter anymore?