[Intro] [Slow solo acoustic guitar] [Verse 1] You rode in at dawn with a warrant folded tight, Red clay on your cuffs, rain darkening your hat. At the feed-store door, old Mrs. Bell said, “They took my boy’s wages and left him for dead.” [Verse 2] Their leader wore a Sunday coat, a silver tooth grin, His men held the bridge where the county road bends. You read out the charges; they answered with a laugh, Then the whole town went quiet as you stepped off the path. [Chorus] Marshal, ride on—let the hard truth be heard, Bring the guilty to answer, each man and each word. For the homes they have emptied, the names they have stained, Let the law cross the river and call them by name. [Verse 3] At the sawmill at sundown, their horses stood tied, A lantern swung once in the cold turning wind. You faced them alone, badge plain on your chest; “Put down your guns. This county deserves rest.” [Chorus] Marshal, ride on—let the hard truth be heard, Bring the guilty to answer, each man and each word. For the homes they have emptied, the names they have stained, Let the law cross the river and call them by name. [Bridge] One man dropped his rifle; then another looked down. Their captain reached for silver, but found iron sounds. By morning the jail held the gang and their lies; The boy came back home beneath clear winter skies. [Final Chorus] Marshal, ride on—let the hard truth be heard, Bring the guilty to answer, each man and each word. The town kept its promise, the frightened stood tall, And the law came through quiet, but came for them all. [Outro] [Slow solo acoustic guitar, lingering instrumental ending]
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