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