(From August 6, 2002 banjo stomp version)

John Hardy was a desperate man
He carried guns every day
He killed a man down in Charleston
Should've seen John Hardy get away
Should've seen John Hardy get away

John Hardy was standing at the gambling table
Didn't have no interest in the game
Up stepped a yellow guy who threw it all down
Said deal John Hardy in the game
Said deal John Hardy in the game

John Hardy drew to an inside straight
China-man to a pair
John, he drew and threw him up against
So he left him lying dead in his chair
Left him lying dead in his chair

John Hardy was standin' on the front porch
So drunk he could not see
Up stepped the sheriff and took him by the hand
Said, "John you better come with me,
John you better come with me"

John Hardy was standin' in the jailhouse cell
Tears streaming from his eyes
Said I been to the east, been to the west
Now I'm ready to die, Lord God, now I'm ready to die
Now I'm ready to die, Lord God, now I'm ready to die