Get Out of Town Before Sundown

Walkin' off the highway I'd been tryin' to catch a ride

Hungry and thirsty as a bear,

Not a penny in my pockets and I'd ran out of pride

So I thought I'd try to bum myself a beer.



When up stopped a well known posse starin' down at me

A big old shiny badge pinned on his vest

He said if you ain't got no money and you ain't got no job

Boy I'm placing you under arrest.



Or you can get out of town before sundown

And don't you never come back

Take your tambourine and your guitar string

And move on down the track.



Don't like the way that you comb your hair

The way you drawl you all

And if you're not out of town before sundown

You won't get out of town at all.



Well, I hitchhiked down to Phoenix I was following the sun

Prettiest place I think I've ever seen

I met a sweet young lady, but how was I to know

That pretty thing was only seventeen.



Then I saw the red lights gleamin'

And I heard the sirenes screamin'

A sound that fills the bravest hearts with fear

And that old sheriff didn't stutter

When to me those words he uttered

Boy don't let the sun set on you here.



You better get out of town before sundown...