Early one day's morning
I came upon a fine young horse
I mounted up and led him onward
He was gray as the sky above
As the sky above

I slept down by the river
And what a sad dream I had
I'm afraid my love
It must be true
Today I will go and leave you
Today I will be gone

I awoke and was surrounded
Nine of the law stood before me
Askin' me my name and business
Demanding proof of me
Demanding proof of me
Proof of me

What do you want from me
Would you have me your prisoner
No but you must give us that horse
You must give us that roan gray horse

Listen he ain't for sale
Never for the law to ride
If that should happen none would be safe
Even the birds
Even the birds
Would be afraid to fly

So they ask again what was my name
They ask again what was my name
Two were dead before they could move
Two were dead before they could move
That's my name
That's my name
If you please
That's my name
That's my name
If you please