The Baron

Wish I had of known ya

When you were a little younger

'Round me you might have learned a thing or two

If I had known you longer

You might be a little stronger

Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do

Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do

As he walked into the poolroom

You could tell he didn't fit

In his hand-made boots, custom suit, pearl handled shooting stick

Tonight there'd be a showdown

Then everyone would know

Who shoots the meanest game around

The Baron or Billy Joe

Billy Joe looked edgy, about to lose his cool

But the Baron's hands were steady

As the two began to duel

Yeah, he was like a general

On a battlefield of slate

And he would say to Billy Joe

Each time he sunk the eight, he'd say

Wish I had of known ya

When you were a little younger

'Round me you might have learned a thing or two

If I had known you longer

You might be a little stronger

Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do

Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do

Now Billy Joe was busted

But he hadn't felt the sting

And from the far end of the table

He threw his Mother's wedding ring

And he said, "You won my money

But it ain't gonna do the trick

I'll bet this ring on one more game

Against your fancy stick"

The Baron's eyes got foggy

As the ring rolled on the felt

And he almost doubled over

Like he was hit below the belt

Twenty years ago

It was the ring his wife had worn

And he didn't know before he left

That a son would soon be born

It sounded just like thunder

When the Baron shot the break

But it grew quickly quiet

As he lined up the eight

Then a warm hand touched his shoulder

And it chilled him to the bone

When he turned and saw the woman

Who had loved him for so long

The game was never finished

The eight ball never fell

The Baron calmly picked it up

And put it on the shelf

Then he placed the ring in the hands that held him long ago

And he tossed that fancy shooting stick to his son Billy Joe

And he said

Well, wish I had of known ya

When you were a little younger

'Round me you might have learned a thing or two

If I had known you longer

You might be a little stronger

Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do

Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do