Black Lightning

(album: Ballads Of The Hills And Plains - 1965)

Lightning slow down to a walk
Me and my conscience must have a long talk

Yes I've been running all of my life
I've been alone I've taken no wife
I have nine notches carved on my guns
And with each notch I've added the faster I run
Conscience you know conscience you saw

I waited till last for each man to draw
The posse is gaining and it's plain to see
There's a dozen of them and just one of me
But if they should kill me don't bury me deep
For shallow grave makes the devil weak

Slow down black lightning slow down to a walk
Me and my conscience must have a long talk

Black lightning black lightning I'm counting on you
My faithful old stallion you must get me through
We must cross the border before the sunsrise
Juanita is waiting with hope in her eyes
When I reach my darling I'll lay down my guns
And conscience I promise no more will I run
Juanita my dearest I've run all my life
Now you are the woman I want for my wife
If you knew my danger you'd get on your knees
And send up a prayer for black lightning and me

Slow down black lightning slow down to a walk
Me and my conscience must have a long talk

My great horse is weary from running all night
The posse's upon us we must stop and fight
My old friend stand still as I reach for my guns
There's no place to hide and there's no place to run
The bullets sink home and he rears with a cry
What a way for a mighty black stallion to die
Is this searing hot pain the sweet sting of death
How many men have I claimed their last breath
Her face comes before me as death drinks me in
Goodbye sweet Juanita my life has to end

Slow down black lightning slow down to a walk
Me and my conscience must have a long talk