Jesse James was a lad who killed many a man
He robbed the Glendale train
He stole from the rich and he gave to the poor
He'd a hand and a heart, and a brain

Now poor Jesse had a wife, to mourn for his life
Three children, they were brave
But that dirty little coward that shot Mr. Howard
Has laid Jesse James in his grave

It was on a Wednesday night, and the moon was shining bright
When they robbed the Glendale train
And the folks from miles about they all said without a doubt
It was robbed by Frank an' Jesse James 

Well on a Saturday night when Jesse was at home
Just a'talking to his family brave
Along came Robert Ford like a thief in the night
And he laid Jesse James in his grave

Now poor Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life
Three children, they were so brave
But that dirty little coward that shot Mr. Howard
Has laid Jesse James in his grave

Oh, the people held their breath when they heard of Jesse's death
And they wondered how Jesse came to die
Well it was one of his gang called little Robert Ford
An' he shot Jesse, shot Jesse James on the sly

Now poor Jesse had a wife, to mourn for his life
Three children, they were brave
But that dirty little coward that shot Mr. Howard
Has laid Jesse James in his grave

