Jericho

(Clay mask by Dakota Burks, Photo by Mike Hall)
Jericho 

Watch what you do in Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
There’s trouble in that town,
Oh-Oh- Jericho.
Carry a six-gun and knife in old Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
You need them to defend your life.
Oh-Oh- Jericho.

Drink, but don’t get drunk in Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
Problems grow as bottles empty.
Oh-Oh- Jericho.
Don’t lose your heart in Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
The woman will let you down,
Oh-Oh- Jericho.

Gamblers will take your money in Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
But it’s the devil who’ll take your soul,
Oh-Oh- Jericho.
Don’t try to cheat at cards in Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
You might end up deader than dead,
Oh-Oh- Jericho.

Don’t mess with the sheriff in Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
His justice is the only law there.
Oh-Oh- Jericho.
Jail’s the wrong place to be in Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
Justice is no lady, just a bitch.
Oh-Oh- Jericho.

Words of warning for those coming to Jericho.
Oh-Oh don’t you know.
Just pass through town, but do it slow.
Oh-Oh- Jericho.

To read this poem in Spanish, click here