Button up your pants and tighten your shoes
I'm fixing to let this story loose
One that years ago, set this place on fire
And if that ain't the truth, you can call me a liar

It involves Willie Scruggs and sweet Ida May
On the day they both gave their souls away
A man was killed and buried forever deep
Down along the edge of Gooseberry creek

They'd both gotten themselves in the worst of binds
Trying to live on the high side of life
But that's like trying to chase down a runaway train
On a poor mans track in a rich mans game

That's when High Roller Johnny the Ace rolled into town
The day sweet Ida May laid her convictions down
Against Johnny the Ace the deck was stacked
To take away the cards he was playing and not give them back

Ida May took to Johnny and poured on the charm
Till Johnny was ready to saddle the horse plus buy the farm
Ready to spend the remainder of all of his days
Doing whatever he could to please Ida May

Johnny fell head over heels for that beauty queen
Right about the time Willie came on the scene
Pulled out his gun for the statement he wanted to make
Death smiled big was the statement he made that day

They buried the body, buried it deep
Just like I said on the edge of Gooseberry creek
Our young lovers are out there still on the run
Ida May, Johnny Ace, and Willie Scruggs gun

Where they are gambling whats left of their lives
Ever since the day that Willie Scruggs died
The day that they set this whole town on fire
And if that ain't the truth you can call me a liar