Story Behind The Song

We set out to write a song with a Marty Robbins feel and an outlaw theme.

Song Description

An outlaw who goes straight gets tracked down by a vengeful pal

Lyrics

The Tulsa Kid

Johnny came to town
On a chilly morning he was bound
To find the man who one-time earlier had crossed him

He checked into a room
Across the street from the saloon
And with a lookout's bead on the doors he sat and watched them

The Tulsa Kid rode in
He had some business to attend
His wife and child safe at home and none the wiser

He didn't know Johnny's horse
But the saddle he did, of course
Not surprised he knew that someday John would find him

Johnny watched the Kid
And strapped his guns on as he did
And stepped outside with his very best outlaw grin

The Kid fingered his wedding band
Put his rifle in his hand
and turned around to greet his one time friend 

The last time either one 
Had seen the other with a gun
The Kid was using his to take the gang's last plunder

John said, "I've come to get what's mine" 
And with that The Kid just smiled and said
"Then I'm the one who's gonna put you under"

Anyone who wields a gun 
Should know better than to run
Headlong and reckless at another

But Johnny had been drinking
And he was never too long on thinking
Either he missed the odds or didn't think it mattered

"Tulsa Kid you've breathed your last!", he said
Then drew his guns so fast 
Another man may never have been ready

But the Kid squeezed off a shot
And he watched the outlaw drop
His aim as always easy, sure, and steady

He said "Mister, you're mistaken
I go by the name of Blake" and
Then bent down low and whispered to his rival

"Johnny, here's some advice
Though it's too late to save your life
Don't ever draw on a man who's holding a Henry rifle"