Now, Smackwater Jack, He bought a shotgun 'Cause he was in the mood For a little confrontation. He just a-let it all hang loose; He didn't think about the noose. He couldn't take no more abuse So he shot down the congregation.
You can't talk to a man With a shotgun in his hand.
Now, Big Jim the chief Stood for law and order. He called for the guard to come And surround the border. Now, from his bulldog mouth, As he led the posse south, Came the cry, "We got to ride To clean up the streets For our wives and our daughters!"
You can't talk to a man When he don't wanna understand. No, no, no, no, no.
The account of the capture Wasn't in the papers, But you know, they hanged ol' Smack right then Instead of later. You know, the people were quite pleased 'Cause the outlaw had been seized And on the whole, it was a very good year For the undertaker.
You know, you know, you can't talk to a man With a shotgun in his hand. A shotgun in his hand. Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun. Yeah, Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun. Oh, Smackwater Jack, yeah. Talkin' 'bout Smackwater Jack, yeah. Talkin' 'bout a-Smackwater Jack, now. Talkin' 'bout Smack. Talkin' 'bout Jack. Smackwater Jack, yeah.