Standard (EADGBE)
The red headed stranger from Blue Rock, Montana,
Rode into town one day.
And under his knees, was a raging black stallion,
Walking behind was a bay.
The red headed stranger had eyes like thunder,
And his lips they were sad and tired.
His little lost love lay asleep on the hillside,
And his heart was as heavy as night.
Don't cross him, don't boss him,
He's wild in his sorrow,
Ridin' and hidin' his pain.
Don't fight him, don't spite him,
Just wait 'til tomorrow,
Maybe he'll ride on again.
Yellow haired lady leaned out of her window,
Watched as he passed her way.
She drew back in fear at the sight of the stallion,
But cast greedy eyes on the bay.
How could she know that the dancin' bay pony
Meant more to him than life?
This was the horse that his little lost darlin'
Had ridden when she was his wife.
Don't cross him, don't boss him,
He's wild in his sorrow,
Ridin' and hidin' his pain.
Don't fight him, don't spite him,
Just wait 'til tomorrow,
Maybe he'll ride on again.
Yellow haired lady came down to the tavern,
And looked up the stranger there.
He bought her a drink and gave her some money,
He just didn't seem to care.
She followed him out as he saddled the stallion,
And laughed as she grabbed at the bay.
He shot her so quick they had no time to warn her,
She never heard anyone say:
Don't cross him, don't boss him,
He's wild in his sorrow,
Ridin' and hidin' his pain.
Don't fight him, don't spite him,
Just wait 'til tomorrow,
Maybe he'll ride on again.
The yellow haired lady was buried at sunset,
The stranger went free of course.
For you can't hang a man for killing a woman,
Who's trying to steal your horse.
This is the tale of the red headed stranger
And if he should pass your way,
Stay out of path of the ragin' black stallion
And don't lay a hand on the bay.
Don't cross him, don't boss him,
He's wild in his sorrow,
Ridin' and hidin' his pain.
Don't fight him, don't spite him,
Just wait 'til tomorrow,
Maybe he'll ride on again.