[Verse 1]
He was a friend of mine
He was a friend of mine
Every time I think about him now
Lord I just can't keep from crying
'Cause he was a friend of mine

[Verse 2]
He died on the road
He died on the road
He never had enough money
To pay his room or board
And he was a friend of mine

[Verse 3]
I stole away and cried
I stole away and cried
'Cause I never had too much money
And I never been quite satisfied
And he was a friend of mine

[Verse 4]
He never done no wrong
He never done no wrong
A thousand miles from home
And he never harmed no one
And he was a friend of mine
[Verse 5]
He was a friend of mine
He was a friend of mine
Every time I hear his name
Lord I just can't keep from crying
'Cause he was a friend of mine