Sheriff John Brown just wandered into town
Looking for a cripple and a thief
A black man and a woman and a lonesome guy like me
Just trying to raise the stakes so we can be free
The dustballs were blowing the sun it cracked the ground
Where could a crime like this ever be found
Good people of the town said to sheriff John Brown
Go and shoot those invalids right down
I said Sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now

What exactly have they done said sheriff John Brown
For me to shoot those poor old bastards down
Then outstepped the preacher with his hand upon his heart
Can't you see that I've been chosen by god
And I tell you this for nothing
That crowd ain't no good
They're standing out just like a sore thumb
But yes I do agree said the lawyer on the left
I'd kill them now if it were up to me

But I said sheriff don't be cruel it could happen to you now

Out into the wilderness the sheriff he did ride
Heading for the river bridge the laws you must abide
Two hours became three, I knew he would come for me
The day grew long and I began to tire
John Brown's face appeared from behind the fire
Boys and girls whatcho doing gonna be so free
The people of the town talk dissapprovingly
Don't want to take you in, thats not up to me

I said sheriff don't be cruel it could happen to you now

But guilt and doubt they cloud his mind
He thought what exactly is the law
He didn't even know what it stood for
And who pays the cost for all that is lost
Seems to me an impossibility
And who says whats right and who says whats wrong
Who benefits it sure ain't me
And outstepped the woman saying we mean you no harm
Come closer and I will read your palm

But I said sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now

That night he left a long road came back without a rest
Knowingly he questionned ??? lawyer on the left
Bet you've gone and set them sinners free
Well yes replied the sheriff they done nothing wrong
My god why can't you people see
And the preacher shot him down and his head it hit the ground
The last you'll ever see of poor John Brown
And the moral of this tale it is simple it is plain
People always need someone to blame

But I said sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now
But I said sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now