I was standing on the corner when I heard my bulldog bark
He was barking at two men who were gambling in the dark
Oh, it was Stagger Lee and Billy, two men gambling late
Stagger Lee threw seven, and Billy swore that he threw an eight
Looka here
Stagger Lee told Billy, said "I can't let you get away with that
You won all my money and my brand new Stetson hat"
Ow
Stagger Lee went home and he got his .44
He said "Now I'm going to the barroom to pay that debt I owe"
Come on
Ow, got it

[Verse 2]
Stagger Lee went to the barroom and stood across the barroom door
He said "Nobody, don't move," pulled out his .44
Stagger Lee crying, "Billy, please, please don't take my life
I got three little children and a very sickly wife"
Come on
Stagger Lee shot Billy, oh he shot that poor boy so bad
'Til the bullet came through Billy and broke the bartender's glass
Looka here

[Outro]
Don't, don't, no, ow, come on
Come on, come on
Hey, come on, get it