Brother John, Brother John
What have you done?
You've come here with this woman
Took the life of a lawman's son
I wish that I could help you
But it'd be best if you'd run
If they catch you they will kill you
Brother John, Brother John

You say you had good reason
She swears you did her wrong
She tried to get away
But his hands were just too strong
Now the lightnin' is flashin'
And the rain is pouring down
And you're just a step away
From the sheriff and his hounds

Brother John, Brother John
What have you done?
You've come here with this woman
Took the life of a lawman's son
I wish that I could help you
But it'd be best if you'd run
Cause if they catch you they will kill you
Brother John, Brother John

You never should have been there
It was wrong right from the start
Cause she was married to another
But found her way into your heart
You'll have to live with the decisions
That you let your temper make
Better get on across that river
Before they put you in a grave

Brother John, Brother John
What have you done?
You have come here with this woman
Took the life of a lawman's son
I wish that I could help you
But it'd be best if you'd run
If they catch you they will kill you
Brother John, Brother John
May Lord have mercy on you
Brother John, Brother John