Now the redheaded stranger from Blue Rock, Montana
Rode into town one day
Between his knees was a raging black stallion
Walkin' behind was a bay

Now the redheaded stranger had eyes like the thunder
His lips were sad and tight
'Cause his little lost love lay asleep on the hillside
And his heart was heavy as night

So don't boss him, don't cross him
He's wild in his sorrow, he's riding and hidin' his pain
Don't fight him, don't spite him
Just wait 'til tomorrow maybe he'll ride on again

Now the yellow-haired lady leaned out of her window
And watched as he passed her away
She drew back in fear at the sight of the stallion
But cast greedy eyes on the bay

But she didn't know that this dancin' bay pony
Meant more to him than life
'Cause this was the horse that his little lost darlin'
Had ridden when she was his wife

So don't boss him, don't cross him
He's wild in his sorrow, he's riding and hidin' his pain
Don't fight him, don't spite him
Just wait 'til tomorrow maybe he'll ride on again
Now the yellow-haired lady went down to the tavern
And looked up the stranger there
When he bought her some drinks and he gave her some money
But she just didn't seem to care

She followed him out as he saddled the stallion
And he laughed when she grabbed for the bay
Well, he shot her so quick, they had no time to warn her
She never heard anyone say

Don't boss him, don't cross him
He's wild in his sorrow, he's riding and hidin' his pain
Don't fight him, don't spite him
Just wait 'til tomorrow maybe he'll ride on again

Now the yellow-haired lady was buried at sunset
The stranger went free of course
'Cause you can't hang a man for shootin' a woman
Who's tryin' to steal your horse

Now this is the tale of the redheaded stranger
And if he should ever pass your way
Stay out of the path of the raging black stallion
And don't lay a hand on the bay