early one days morning

i came upon a fine young horse

i mounted up and led him onward

he was gray as the sky above

as the sky above



i slept down by the river

and what a sad dream i had

i'm afraid my love

it must be true

today i will go and leave you

today i will be gone



i awoke and was surrounded

nine of the law stood before me

askin me my name and business

demanding proof of me

demanding proof of me

proof of me



what do you want from me

would you have me your prisoner

no but you must give us that horse

you must give us that roan gray horse



listen he aint for sale

never for the law to ride

if that should happen none would be safe

even the birds

even the birds

would be afraid to fly



so they ask again what was my name they ask again what was my name

two were dead before they could move

two were dead before they could move

thats my name

thats my name

if you please

thats my name

thats my name

if you please