Frank and Jesse James Songtext

von 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
It was over in Clay County when 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, 'cross the rivers and the range
Keep on riding riding riding, Frank and Jesse James

After Appomattox they were on the losing 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 government
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, 'cross the prairies and the plains
Keep on riding riding riding, Frank and Jesse James

Robert Ford, a gunman, in 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 that
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, 'cross the rivers and the range
Keep on riding riding riding, Frank and Jesse James

Keep on riding riding riding, Frank and Jesse James
Keep on riding riding riding, 'til you clear your names
Keep on riding riding riding, 'cross the prairies and the plains
Keep on riding riding riding, Frank and Jesse James