Billy Dee Lyrics - The Essential Kris Kristofferson - Kris Kristofferson

Billy Dee was seventeen when he turned twenty-one 

Fooling with some foolish things he could've left alone 

But he had to try to satisfy a thirst he couldn't name 

Driven towards the darkness by the devil in his veins 

All around the honky tonks, searching for a sign 

Gettin' by on gettin' high on women, words and wine 

Some folks called him crazy, Lord, and others called him free 

But we just called us lucky for the love of Billy Dee 

Busy goin' his own way and speakin' his own words 

Facin' and forgettin' every warnin' that he heard 

Makin' friends and takin' any crazy chance he could 

Gettin' busted for the bad times and believin' in the good 

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Billy took a beatin' from a world, he meant no harm 

The score was written in the scars up on his arm 

Some felt he was payin' for the life he tried to lead 

But all we felt was sorry for our good friend Billy Dee 

It may be his soul was bigger than a body's oughta be 

Singin' songs and bringin' laughter to the likes of you and me 

'Cause the world he saw was sadder than the one he hoped to find 

But it wasn't near as lonesome as the one he left behind 

Photos 

Yesterday they found him on the floor of his hotel 

Reachin' towards the needle, Lord, that drove him down to Hell 

Some folks called it suicide, others blame the speed 

But we all called it crucified when Billy Dee O.D.'d