When I was just a kid back in Abeline
I had to use a gun, well, for my own sake
I shot a man down when I was just eighteen
From that day they call me Shakey Jake

Shakey Jake, boy, what you gonna do
Texas Rangers coming after you
Here's the price you pay for one mistake
So get off the streets it's Shakey Jake

Mama says I was born under a bad sign
Well, I was looking for the chance to make or break
I cut my teeth on a branding iron
I'm the devil's own son, I'm Shakey Jake

Shakey Jake, boy, what you gonna do
Texas Rangers coming after you
Here's the price you pay for one mistake

I keep on the run, I travel by night I don't need anyone
But someone, one day, somewhere is gonna see me right

Dig a hole about six foot deep
Pray the Lord my soul to take
Don't want flowers and nobody's gonna weep
Here lies that outlaw, Shakey Jake

Shakey Jake, boy, what you gonna do
Texas Rangers coming after you
Here's the price you pay for one mistake
Get off the streets it's Shakey Jake

Shakey Jake, boy, what you gonna do
Texas Rangers coming after you
Here's the price you pay for one mistake
Get off the streets it's Shakey Jake