Lyrics The Kingston Trio

The Kingston Trio

Jesse James

Frank and Jesse James were a product of their environment

They were sent out into the woods by their parents

To forage for berries, truffles, rutabagas and roots of all sorts

Put yourself in their place you'da been mean too

When Jesse James was a lad he killed many a man

He robbed the Glendale train

(Hot darn)

And the people they did say for many miles away

It was robbed by Frank and Jesse James

Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life

Three children, they were brave

But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard

Has laid poor Jesse in his grave

It was on a Saturday night if I remember right

When they robbed that Glendale train

(Your wallet monsieur)

It was one of the Younger boys who gathered in the spoils

And he carried Jesse's monies away

Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life

Three children, they were brave

But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard

Has laid poor Jesse in his grave

He was standin' on a chair just a-dustin' pictures there

He thought he heard a noise

When he turned his head around, why that bullet smacked him down

And it laid poor Jesse on the floor

Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life

Three children, they were brave

But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard

Has laid poor Jesse in his grave

Where'd ya learn that John?

Camping, woops

Jesse robbed from the poor and he gave to the rich

He never did a friendly thing

And when his best friend died he was right there by her side

And he lifted off her golden wedding ring

Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life

Three children, they were brave

But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard

Has laid poor Jesse in his grave

Killing 19 people doesn't make a boy all bad