Lyrics
Well gather round children, a story I will tell
Introduction to the narrative, inviting listeners to hear a story.
About pretty boy Floyd the outlaw, Oklahoma knew him well
Introduction of the central character, Pretty Boy Floyd, known as an outlaw in Oklahoma.
It was in the town of Shawnee on a Saturday afternoon
Setting the scene in Shawnee, narrating a specific event on a Saturday afternoon.
His wife beside him in a wagon as into town they rode
Describing Pretty Boy Floyd riding into town with his wife in a wagon.
And along come a deputy sheriff in a manner rather rude
Introduction of a deputy sheriff with rude behavior towards Pretty Boy Floyd's wife.
Using vulgar words of language and his wife she overheard
Deputy using vulgar language, upsetting Pretty Boy Floyd's wife.
And pretty boy Floyd grabbed a long chain, and the deputy grabbed a gun
Conflict escalating as Pretty Boy Floyd and the deputy engage, one with a chain and the other with a gun.
And in the fight that followed, he laid that deputy down
Pretty Boy Floyd prevails in the fight, defeating the deputy.
Then he ran through the trees and bushes and lived a life of shame
After the fight, Pretty Boy Floyd becomes a fugitive, living in shame.
Every crime in Oklahoma was added to his name
Accumulation of crimes in Oklahoma attributed to Pretty Boy Floyd.
He ran through trees and bushes on the Canadian River shore
Continuation of Pretty Boy Floyd's escape along the Canadian River.
And many a starving farmer opened up his door
Depiction of Floyd seeking refuge, with local farmers helping him despite being in need themselves.
It was in Oklahoma City, it was on a Christmas Day
Shift to Oklahoma City on Christmas Day as a significant event.
A whole carload of groceries and a letter that did say
Reference to a generous act by Pretty Boy Floyd, providing groceries and a letter to families in need.
You say that I'm an outlaw, you say that I'm a thief
Addressing accusations of being an outlaw and a thief.
Well, here's a Christmas dinner for the families on relief
Pretty Boy Floyd's response, offering a Christmas dinner to families on relief.
As through this life you travel, you meet some funny men
Reflection on life's encounters, noting the diverse nature of individuals.
Some rob you with a six-gun, some with a fountain pen
Highlighting the different ways people may harm others, whether with a gun or through deceptive means.
As through this life you ramble, as through this life you roam
General observation about life's journey, suggesting the unpredictable nature of encounters.
You'll never see an outlaw take a family from their home
Assertion that outlaws typically don't forcibly take families from their homes.
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