The Ballad of Sheriff Lou (and the Toothless Truth)

(Verse 1 – Talking) I was born in a town where the wind don’t stay, Where the dogs walk crooked and the roosters pray. My momma named me *Justice* — yeah, that was the joke, She said it with bourbon breath and a Marlboro poke. (Verse 2 – Talking) My daddy ran off with a carnival whore, Left a note in the Bible, said "Don’t look no more." So I grew up mean with a preacher’s scowl, With a fist like a hammer and a bark like a growl. (Verse 3 – Talking) Now Sheriff Lou, he ran this town, With a golden tooth and a custom frown. Said he’d shoot a man just for lookin’ back, And his badge was shaped like a coffin tack. (Chorus – Sung) They say the law ain’t fair and the truth don’t smile, But I been ridin’ with regret for a long, long mile. And if justice had teeth, she done bit me too— Just a boy with a name and a grudge for Lou. (Verse 4 – Talking) Met Lou in the alley behind Miller’s Bar, He said, “You ain’t your daddy — but you’ll never get far.” I said, “You’re right, Lou — I ain’t runnin’ none. I came here to finish what he never begun.” (Bridge – Talking) He drew first, I drew last — but I hit the mark. One round to the badge, two more in the dark. They say justice don’t kill — well hell, now she does, 'Cause she wears my name and she ain’t lookin’ for love. (Chorus – Sung) They say the law ain’t fair and the truth don’t smile, But I been ridin’ with regret for a long, long mile. And if justice had teeth, she done bit me too— Just a boy with a name and a grudge for Lou. (Outro – Talking, fading) So if you’re ever in town and the wind stands still, Listen close to the church bell chill. You might hear a name that the preacher won’t say— Just Justice Knox... ridin’ away.