About the song
In the world of country music, few artists capture the spirit of the American West as vividly as Chris LeDoux. Known for his rugged authenticity and storytelling prowess, LeDoux’s 1976 hit “Billy The Kid” stands out as a remarkable testament to his unique blend of cowboy heritage and musical talent.
Chris LeDoux, a rodeo champion turned singer-songwriter, carved a niche for himself with songs that resonate deeply with fans of Western lore and country music. “Billy The Kid,” one of his most celebrated tracks, was originally released as part of LeDoux’s album “Songs of Rodeo and Cowboys.” This song, penned by LeDoux himself, brings to life the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid with a blend of historical reverence and imaginative storytelling.
The track gained considerable attention upon its release, not only for its compelling narrative but also for its authentic portrayal of the Wild West. LeDoux’s rendition of Billy the Kid’s story, through its vivid lyrics and captivating melody, offers listeners a nostalgic journey back to an era of outlaws and frontier justice.
The year 1976 saw “Billy The Kid” not only making waves on the country charts but also solidifying Chris LeDoux’s reputation as a genuine voice of the cowboy culture. While it did not dominate mainstream charts, the song garnered immense respect and acclaim within the country music community, earning LeDoux accolades for his contribution to the genre. His work in this track helped pave the way for future artists to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of American folklore through music.
For those who appreciate a blend of historical storytelling and country music’s heartfelt authenticity, Chris LeDoux’s “Billy The Kid” remains an enduring classic. It’s more than just a song; it’s a piece of musical history that captures the essence of a legendary figure and the spirit of the American West.
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Lyrics
In the southern part of Texas, East and West of El Paso
Where the mighty Franklin Mountains guard the trail to Mexico
There’s a new made widow cryin’ and a hearse a-rollin’ slow
And I guess that devil’s passed this way again
There’s a lathered sorrel stallion runnin’ through the Joshua trees
A young man in the saddle with his coattails in the breeze
Got a six gun on his right hip and a rifle at his knee
And he’s dealin’ in a game that he can’t win
Poor Billy Bonney, you’re only twenty-one
Pat Garrett’s got your name on every bullet in his gun
Each notch you carved on your six-gun’s got a bloody tale to tell
You’re a mile ahead of Garrett and a step outside of hell
Them fancy clothes you’re wearin’ and the women in your bed
Can’t take away the faces of the men that you left dead
As you ride across the badlands with a price upon your head
Now that wheel of fortune starts to turn
Your reputation’s grown ’til it’s the biggest in the land
And there ain’t a lot of people left who wanna call your hand
And I guess you’ll go down shootin’ just like all brand of men
When you shake hands with the devil, you get burned
Poor Billy Bonney, you’re only twenty-one
Pat Garrett’s got your name on every bullet in his gun
Each notch you carved on your six-gun’s got a bloody tale to tell
You’re a mile ahead of Garrett and a step outside of hell
Poor Billy Bonney, you’re only twenty-one
Pat Garrett’s got your name on every bullet in his gun
Each notch you carved on your six-gun’s got a bloody tale to tell
You’re a mile ahead of Garrett and a step outside of hell