Chorus:
I wish I had of known you when you were a little younger 'round me you might have learned a thing or two
If I'd had known you longer you might be a little stronger

Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do, maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do.

As he walked into the poolroom you could tell he didn't fit

In his hand made boots, custom suit, pearl handled shootin' stick
Tonight there'd be a showdown then everyone would know
Who shoots the meanest game around, The Baron or Billy Joe


Billy Joe looked edgy, about to lose his cool
But the Baron's hands were steady as the two began to duel

Yeah, he was like a General on a battlefield of slate
And he would say to Billy Joe each time he sunk the eight, he'd say...


Chorus

Now Billy Joe was busted but he hadn't felt the sting

And from the far end of the table he threw his Mother's wedding ring
And he said 'You won my money but it ain't gonna do the trick


I'll bet this ring on one more game against your fancy stick'

The Baron's eyes grew foggy as the ring rolled on the felt

And he almost doubled over like he was hit below the belt
Twenty years ago it was the ring his wife had worn
And he didn't know before he left that a son would soon be born


It sounded just like thunder when the Baron shot the break
But it grew quickly quiet as he lined up the eight

Then a warm hand touched his shoulder and it chilled him to the bone
When he turned and saw the woman who had loved him for so long.


The game was never finished, the eight ball never fell
The Baron calmly picked it up and put it on the shelf
Then he placed the ring in the hand that held him long ago

And he tossed that fancy shootin' stick to his son Billy Joe
And he said....


Chorus