Standard (EADGBE)

Chorus

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

Verse 1

All around in my home town

They're trying to track me down

 They say they want to bring me in guilty

 For the killing of a deputy

 For the life of a deputy But I say? (play MAIN RIFF)

Chorus

I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense

Verse 2

Sheriff John Brown always hated me

For what I don't know

Every time that I plant a seed

 He said "Kill it before it grows"

 He said "Kill it before it grows" I say!

(play MAIN RIFF)

Chorus

I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense

Verse 3

Freedom came my way one day

And I started out of town yeah

All of a sudden I see sheriff John Brown

Aiming to shoot me down

 So I shot, I shot him down I say!

(play MAIN RIFF)

Chorus

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy

I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot the deputy

Verse 4

Reflexes got the better of me

And what is to be must be

Every day the bucket falls to the well

But one day the bottom will drop out

Yes, one day the bottom will drop out But I say

(play MAIN RIFF)

Chorus

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no

I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot no deputy, oh no

 ENDING: