Gather 'round me. (Ahhh.)
Ev'rybody. (Ahhh.)
I'm gonna tell you a story 'bout Betty & Dupree


Betty tol' Dupree, "I want a diamond ring."
Lord, Betty told Dupree, "I Want a diamond ring."

Dupree tol' Betty, "I will buy you anything."

Dupree aksed Betty, "Baby, will you be my wife?"

Lord, Dupree aksed Betty, "Girl, will you be my wife?"
If I buy you that ring, you're mine the rest of your life.


[Instrumental break.]

Yes, baby.


Aw, Betty tol' Dupree, "Yes, I will be your wife."
You know, Betty tol' Dupree, "Baby, I will be your wife."

He say, "You will pretty baby? I'm yours the rest of my life."

[The following verses can be heard on different versions of the song:]


He said, "Lie down, little Betty, see what tomorrow brings."
He said, "Lie down, little Betty, see what tomorrow brings.

It may bring sunshine, may bring you that diamond ring."

Then he got his pistol, went to the jewelry store.

Then he got his pistol, went to the jewelry store.
Killed a policeman and wounded four or five more.


Then he went to the post office to get the evening mail.
Then he went to the post office to get the evening mail.
Sheriff caught poor Dupree and put him that old Atlanta jail.


Dupree's mother said to Betty, "Looka' here what you done."
Dupree's mother said to Betty, "Looka' here what you done."

Made my boy rob and steal, now he is gonna be hung.

Betty went to the jailhouse, she could not see Dupree.

Betty went to the jailhouse, she could not see Dupree.
She told the jailer, "Tell him these words for me:


"I come to see you, baby, I could not see your face.
I come to see you, baby, I could not see your face.
You know I love you, but I cannot take your place.


"Sail on, sail on, sail on, Dupree, sail on.
Sail on, sail on, sail on, Dupree, sail on.

You don't mind sailing, you'll be gone so doggone long."

[(c)Chuck Willis Music Company.]


[Following are the words to the traditional version of Betty & Dupree:]


Dupree was a bandit; he was so brave and bol'.
He stole a diamond ring for some of Betty's jelly roll.
Betty tol' Dupree, "I want a diamond ring."

Dupree tol' Betty, "I'll give you anything."

Michigan water taste like cherry wine.

The reason I know, Betty drink it all the time.
I'm going away to the end of the railroad track.
Nothing but sweet Betty can bring me back.


Dupree tol' the lawyer, "Clear me if you can.
For I have money to back me, sure as I'm a man."

The Lawyer tol' Dupree, "You are a very brave man,
But I think you will to jail and hang."


The judge tol' Dupree, "I believe you quit too late.
Because it is already your fate.