About the song
Chris LeDoux’s “Billy the Kid”: A Western Ballad of Legend
Chris LeDoux, a name synonymous with rodeo and country music, brought the Wild West to life through his music. “Billy the Kid”, one of his most iconic songs, is a classic Western ballad that pays homage to the legendary outlaw.
The song, “Billy the Kid”, paints a vivid picture of the Old West, filled with outlaws, gunfights, and the rugged beauty of the American frontier. LeDoux’s deep, resonant voice perfectly captures the spirit of the Wild West, transporting listeners to a time of cowboys and cattle drives.
Musically, “Billy the Kid” is a straightforward country-western tune. The driving rhythm, combined with the twangy guitar and pedal steel guitar, creates a classic Western sound. The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing LeDoux’s storytelling abilities to shine through.
LeDoux’s performance is nothing short of captivating. His deep, resonant voice, combined with his storytelling abilities, brings the character of Billy the Kid to life. The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and historical details, creating a sense of authenticity that transports listeners back in time.
“Billy the Kid” has endured as a classic for several reasons. First, the song’s universal themes of adventure, outlawry, and the American West resonate with people of all ages. Second, the music is both catchy and nostalgic, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate traditional country music. And finally, LeDoux’s performance is simply unforgettable, making him one of the most beloved country music artists of his generation.
Beyond its musical merits, “Billy the Kid” also holds historical significance. The song helped to popularize the legend of Billy the Kid, ensuring that his story would continue to be told for generations to come. LeDoux’s ability to combine historical fact with fictional storytelling created a truly enduring piece of music.
If you’re looking for a country song that celebrates the spirit of the American West, then look no further than “Billy the Kid”. It’s a timeless piece of music that continues to be enjoyed by fans of country and western music alike.
Video
Lyrics
In the southern part of Texas, East and West of El Paso
Where the mighty Franklin Mountains guard the trail to Mexico
There’s a new made widow cryin’ and a hearse a-rollin’ slow
And I guess that devil’s passed this way again
There’s a lathered sorrel stallion runnin’ through the Joshua trees
A young man in the saddle with his coattails in the breeze
Got a six gun on his right hip and a rifle at his knee
And he’s dealin’ in a game that he can’t win
Poor Billy Bonney, you’re only twenty-one
Pat Garrett’s got your name on every bullet in his gun
Each notch you carved on your six-gun’s got a bloody tale to tell
You’re a mile ahead of Garrett and a step outside of hell
Them fancy clothes you’re wearin’ and the women in your bed
Can’t take away the faces of the men that you left dead
As you ride across the badlands with a price upon your head
Now that wheel of fortune starts to turn
Your reputation’s grown ’til it’s the biggest in the land
And there ain’t a lot of people left who wanna call your hand
And I guess you’ll go down shootin’ just like all brand of men
When you shake hands with the devil, you get burned
Poor Billy Bonney, you’re only twenty-one
Pat Garrett’s got your name on every bullet in his gun
Each notch you carved on your six-gun’s got a bloody tale to tell
You’re a mile ahead of Garrett and a step outside of hell
Poor Billy Bonney, you’re only twenty-one
Pat Garrett’s got your name on every bullet in his gun
Each notch you carved on your six-gun’s got a bloody tale to tell
You’re a mile ahead of Garrett and a step outside of hell