The night was clear and the moon was yellow
And the leaves came tumbling down

I was standing on the corner when I heard my bulldog bark
He was barkin' at the two men who were gamblin' in the dark
Stagger Lee and Billy, two men who gambled late
Stagger Lee threw sever, Billy swore that he threw eight

Stagger Lee told Billy, "I can't let you go with that"
"You have won all my money and my brand new stetson hat"
Go Stagger Lee!

Stagger Lee and Billy, Billy took poor Stagger's date
He said "you did me wrong Billy, and that's one thing that I hate"
Stagger Lee told Billy, "I can't let you go with that"
Cause I loaned you my money and my girl I want her back

Stagger Lee went home and he pulled his 44
Said "I'm goin' to the barroom just to pay that debt I owe"
Stagger Lee went to the barroom and he stood across the barroom door
He said "nobody move!" and he pulled his 44
Go Stagger Lee!

"Stagger Lee" cried Billy "oh please don't take my life
I got three little children and a very sickly wife"
Oh Billy felt bad cause he hurt his poor friend Stag
"I'm gonna give him his girlfriend and everything that I have"

Stagger Lee and Billy, never fussed or fought no more
Cause he got back his girlfriend and Stagger Lee was no more sore
Go Stagger Lee!