I broke the law and I used a gun I broke the Ten Commandments one by one I always wished that I had a son Just to teach him not to
I lived in the valley and I hid in the hills I stole moonshine from illegal stills Folks said "Don't rile him 'cause he may kill" But only if I've got to
All I want is a Tennessee bottle All I need is an Arkansas bride All I can see is an Ozark mountain sunrise And 500 miles to hide my life, life, life, to hide my life To hide my life
I tried to farm and I tried to mine I tried cuttin' on the timberline But pain and sweat was all I'd find Rewarding all my labor
So I robbed banks and I robbed trains I lost one eye in a poker game I gave up gambling 'cause it's such a shame To cheat your friends and neighbors
All I want is a Tennessee bottle All I need is an Arkansas bride All I can see is an Ozark mountain sunrise And 500 miles to hide my life, life, life, to hide my life To hide my life
I think I'm gonna quit and change my ways Settle down and live an honest day Someone said that crime don't pay But I gotta 'nuff to live on
I think I'm gonna move to Little Rock Leave my doors without a lock I might be a foot without a sock But I got cash to stand on
All I want is a Tennessee bottle All I need is an Arkansas bride All I can see is an Ozark mountain sunrise And 500 miles to hide my life, life, life, to hide my life To hide my life.