Stagolee went down to the levee
Just about the break of day.
Saw old Billy a-gamblin', so
He set him down to stay.
Stagolee and Billy they gambled,
Gambled mighty late.
Stagolee drew a seven, Billy
He swore he drew an eight.
Stagolee said to Billy,
"You can't get away with that,
Bad enough to take my money, but
You can't have my Stetson hat."
Stagolee said to Billy,
"You better run down by the track,
'Cause I ain't gonna shoot you now,
But don't be here when I get back."
Chorus:
Stagolee, Stagolee,
Meanest boy around.
Stagolee is dealin', boy,
You better lay your money down.
Way down in New Orleans
Got the Lyon's club,
And every step you step,
You're steppin' in Billy the Lyon's blood.
Stagolee went back to his woman,
And he got his forty-four.
"Gonna fix ol' Billy's wagon, so
He won't gamble wrong no more."
Stagolee went back to the levee,
Billy still hangin' around,
Stagolee drew his gun, and
Poor Billy he went down.
(Chorus)
Sheriff said to Stagolee,
"You better leave this town.
If I find old Billy's body,
I'm gonna have to run you down."
Stagolee said to the Sheriff,
The very words that he said,
"The man I run away from,
He ain't born yet on his mammy's bed."
Stagolee went to heaven,
And he met St. Peter there.
"Go the other way, boy,
We don't allow no gamblers here."
Stagolee said to the Devil,
"You better get back on your shelf,
'Cause my name is Stagolee,
And I'm gonna run this place myself."
(Chorus)