(Warren Zevon)

On a small Missouri farm

Back when the west was young

Two boys learned to rope and ride

And be handy with a gun



War broke out between the states

And they joined up with Quantrill

And it was over in Clay county

That Frank and Jesse finally learned to kill



Keep on riding, riding, riding

Frank and Jesse James

Keep on riding, riding, riding

'Til you clear your names

Keep on riding, riding, riding

Across the rivers and the range

Keep on riding, riding, riding Frank and Jesse James



After Appomattox they were on the loosing side

So no amnesty was granted

And as outlaws they did ride

They rode against the railroads,

And they rode against the banks

And they rode against the governor

Never did they ask for a word of thanks



Keep on riding, riding, riding

Frank and Jesse James

Keep on riding, riding, riding

'Til you clear your names

Keep on riding, riding, riding

Across the prairies and the plains

Keep on riding, riding, riding

Frank and Jesse James



Robert Ford, a gunman

Did exchange for his parole

Took the life of James the outlaw

Which he snuck up on and stole

No one knows just where they came to be misunderstood

But the poor Missouri farmers knew

Frank and Jesse do the best they could



Keep on riding, riding, riding

Frank and Jesse James

Keep on riding, riding, riding

'Til you clear your names

Keep on riding, riding, riding

Across the rivers and the range

Keep on riding, riding, riding

Frank and Jesse James