I've been here longer and I'm stronger and I've seen as much as any man

Now many's crossed me but none have bossed me and I don't believe they ever can



Hello son I see you're wearin' a gun and you say you're on your way into town

You say your Ma told you not to but you feel you got to

Get that man that gunned your daddy down

From the sheriff's office to the gallows boy that's a mighty mighty short walk

So why you worry your horse son let you and I take it easy and have a little talk

Cause I've been here longer...



Well I can see that you're angry and I guess you've got plenty right to be

But the law can handle your daddy's killer much better than you or me

And remember your promise you made your mother

That you never would fought on a gun

So go on home to her boy cause she needs you she wouldn't stand to lose her only son

Well I see you thought it over and I'm glad to see you going home boy

And you wanna know what they call me

Well I'm just the river they call me the Mississippi

I've been here longer...