As I was walking down the street
A well dressed man I chanced to meet
The stranger asked where I did go

And why I wore these clothes so old

I told the man that I was poor

I wasn't rich, I had no stores
He told me son I have plan
I'll put some money in your hand


He said that on the first of May
A cart with riches came this way

He said to go and do a deed
And he would share it all with me


I went and did what I was told
We stole the silver and the gold
He tried to take my share and run

I shot and killed him with my gun

Now lonely is my company

I know I never will be free
And in this cell I lay my head
A few more hours and I'll be dead


I should've seen, I should've known
I should've lived, with what I owned

And now I'll die before my time
Because I stole what wasn't mine


So keep your eyes upon your own
And not on silver, gold, or stones
And seek not wealth so rich and fine

Or by your greedy hands you'll die