Written by Kenny Ray Horton - Fader 4 Music, Inc. (ASCAP)
Lyrics
VERSE 1
I get up every morning
A cup of coffee
Sit and watch the news
It shakes me when I hear about families
Getting taken or abused
So I thought I'd write a letter
To anyone who thinks
They'll mess with my kin
Let them know
If they endanger my family
The hell that they'll be in
The answer's pretty simple
It's really cut and dried
You better hope the police finds you
'Fore you're lookin in my eyes
CHORUS
I don't need to take no hostage
There ain't no ransom for your life
And you best not lay a hand upon
My children or my wife
Stay away from my property
If you intend to do me ill
Or I'll exercise my God given right
Of free will
I ain't afraid to use my shotgun
And I know how to tie a noose
Buddy if I find you first
You ain't getting loose
And it won't be your trial
They'll be watchin
It'll be mine
VERSE 2
I don't know how some folks do it
Waiting patiently while the wheels of justice turn
I'd have way too much I'd have to get done
'Fore the day would adjourn
I'll be loadin up my pick-up
With my shotguns and my trusted huntin dogs
And on that particular morning
I wouldn't slop my hogs
I can track you In the deep woods
Or on some city street
I promise you this one thing
If you cross me we'll meet
CHORUS
I don't need to take no hostage
There ain't no ransom for your life
You best not lay a hand upon
My children or my wife
Stay away from my property
If you intend to do me ill
Or I'll exercise my God given right
Of free will
I ain't afraid to use my shotgun
And I know how to tie a noose
Buddy if I find you first
You ain't getting loose
And it won't be your trial
They'll be watchin
It'll be mine
OUTRO
Yeaaahhh
Well it won't be your trial
They'll be watchin
It'll be mine