#. [Ami]I shot the [Dmi]sheriff, but I did not shoot the [Ami]deputy I shot the sheriff, [Dmi]but I did not shoot the [Ami]deputy [Dmi]All aro[Emi]und in my ho[Ami]me town [Dmi]They're trying to [Emi]track me [Ami]down [Dmi]They say they want to[Emi] bring me in gu[Ami]ilty For the [Dmi]killing of a [Emi]deputy[Ami] For the [Dmi]life of a [Emi]deputy[Ami] But I say #. I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense 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! #. I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense 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! #. I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot the deputy 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 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