The death of Bill Bailey was no surprise to meIf you knew him like I knew him, then I know you would agreeHis friends all saw it coming, they knew the end was nearI was taken by his cunning late in the autumn last yearNews of his killing, it traveled across this landFolks said it was fortune that he drew the dead man's handHe was handsome as he was charmingBoy, he'd work these mountain towns'Til one night, when the party ended, Bill Bailey was lying downMany times I've cried since Bill Bailey diedHe wasn't one to listen and he couldn't take good adviceIt's funny how I miss him and the way he sung his songsBill Bailey was my friend and then he done me wrongI bought him a marble headstone and I buried him in the coldOn a quiet winter's morning as the sun shined like goldA young and green-eyed woman appeared through the hazeShe asked if I knew Bill BaileyI just said all his debts had been paid
