John Wesley Harding was a friend to the poor
He traveled with a gun in every hand
All along ths countryside, he opened many a door
But he was never known to hurt an honest man

T'was down in Chaney County, a time they talk about
With his lady by his side, he took a stand
And soon the situation there was all but straightened out
For he was always known to lend a helping hand

All across the telegraph, his name it did resound
But no charge held against him could be proved
And here was no man around who could track or chain him down
He was never known to make a foolish move.
