[Verse 1] Eight years old in a hand-me-down hat Tin sheriff star pinned crooked and flat Two wooden pistols tucked into his belt A brave little lawman in the world he felt The toy store sign was the town hall door The dusty porch was a canyon floor Then Mama called from the general store “Ride home soon, don’t wander no more” [Pre-Chorus] But the wheels spun fast And the dust rose high A coach came rattling Beneath a cardboard sky [Chorus] Ride, little sheriff, ride through the day Stand your ground when the bandits block the way Raise that tin badge, let your courage shine Save the stagecoach, bring the girl back fine Hey! Little lawman, fearless and true The whole wide West is counting on you [Verse 2] Three masked robbers stopped the coach by the creek The driver cried out, the passengers shrieked A girl in a blue dress reached for the rail While the outlaw boss bragged loud as a whale Our young sheriff stepped from behind the pine His wooden pistols pointed straight down the line “Drop those pretend bags! This ride’s under arrest!” His voice shook once, then it steadied its chest [Pre-Chorus] He stomped one boot And he called out clear “Turn around, you robbers The sheriff’s here!” [Chorus] Ride, little sheriff, ride through the day Stand your ground when the bandits block the way Raise that tin badge, let your courage shine Save the stagecoach, bring the girl back fine Hey! Little lawman, fearless and true The whole wide West is counting on you [Bridge] The robbers froze, then they laughed and ran Past the washing-line mountains and the lemonade stand He reached for the girl with a hand held wide “Come on, Miss Annie, I’ll walk by your side” She climbed down safe, gave his badge a salute The driver tipped his hat and the outlaws took root In a tumble of giggles by the old oak tree The bravest deputy was eight, maybe three feet [Final Chorus] Ride, little sheriff, ride through the day Stand your ground when the bandits block the way Raise that tin badge, let your courage shine You saved the stagecoach, brought the girl back fine Hey! Little lawman, fearless and true The whole wide West is cheering for you Ride, little sheriff, ride through the day In a child’s wild heart, the brave never fade! [Outro] Tin badge crooked, hat pulled low “Case closed, ma’am,” and home we go Hey! Little sheriff, fearless and true The whole wide West is cheering for you
