The Fool's Paradise

As I write this letter to you, darling
I can't hold the teardrops from my eyes
For at sundown I will lay a-dying
At the door of the fool's paradise

I walked the road into this cattle town this morning
Left my herd to check the market price
And I strolled into the nearest barroom
They called it the fool's paradise

There the crowd was gay and girls were dancing
And the men were playing cards and dice
So I stepped up to the bar to join them
A grand place, this fool's paradise

It was then I showed to them your picture
I passed it around once or twice
Then a man insulted your sweet honor
At the bar of the fool's paradise

So I hit him in the face and I told him
I says, "Eat them words, mister, or draw, that's my advice"
He said, "Somebody might get hurt here inside
But I'll tell you what I'll do, I'll meet you in the street at sundown
At sundown in front of the fool's paradise"

So goodbye, my darling, may God bless you
I go to make the sacrifice
And if ever you visit old Dodge City
Remember the fool's paradise