Sheriff John Brown Lyrics - The Coral

Sheriff John Brown just wandered into town 

Looking for a cripple and a thief 

A black man and a woman and a lonesome guy like me 

Just trying to raise the stakes so we can be free 

The dustballs were blowing the sun it cracked the ground 

Where could a crime like this ever be found 

Good people of the town said to sheriff John Brown 

Go and shoot those invalids right down 

I said Sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now 

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What exactly have they done said sheriff John Brown 

For me to shoot those poor old bastards down 

Then outstepped the preacher with his hand upon his heart 

Can't you see that I've been chosen by god 

And I tell you this for nothing 

That crowd ain't no good 

They're standing out just like a sore thumb 

But yes I do agree said the lawyer on the left 

I'd kill them now if it were up to me 

But I said sheriff don't be cruel it could happen to you now 

Out into the wilderness the sheriff he did ride 

Heading for the river bridge the laws you must abide 

Two hours became three, I knew he would come for me 

The day grew long and I began to tire 

John Brown's face appeared from behind the fire 

Boys and girls whatcho doing gonna be so free 

The people of the town talk dissapprovingly 

Don't want to take you in, thats not up to me 

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I said sheriff don't be cruel it could happen to you now 

But guilt and doubt they cloud his mind 

He thought what exactly is the law 

He didn't even know what it stood for 

And who pays the cost for all that is lost 

Seems to me an impossibility 

And who says whats right and who says whats wrong 

Who benefits it sure ain't me 

And outstepped the woman saying we mean you no harm 

Come closer and I will read your palm 

But I said sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now 

That night he left a long road came back without a rest 

Knowingly he questionned? lawyer on the left 

Bet you've gone and set them sinners free 

Well yes replied the sheriff they done nothing wrong 

My god why can't you people see 

And the preacher shot him down and his head it hit the ground 

The last you'll ever see of poor John Brown 

And the moral of this tale it is simple it is plain 

People always need someone to blame 

But I said sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now 

But I said sheriff no don't you be cruel it could happen to you now