[Verse 1]
"Lee," the sergeant said to me, "acting on my discretion
It is my solemn duty to arrest you on suspicion"
They put me in a carriage, I was driven many miles
They locked me in a prison cell to await my trial

[Refrain]
John 'Babbacombe' Lee, John 'Babbacombe' Lee

[Verse 2]
The man who'd defend me was ill and couldn't come
His brother came to lend me help and I knew I was undone
"Do just what you want with me, I don't have a choice
You'd do as well without me as I'm not allowed to use my voice"

[Verse 3]
The judge sits high and mighty and he asks me who I am
The robes he wears impress me but he looks a kindly man
"To all who come to see me fall and those that proved me guilty
May the joker hear your call and show you all more mercy"

[Refrain]
John 'Babbacombe' Lee, John 'Babbacombe' Lee

[Instrumental Break]
[Violin Solo]
[Guitar Solo]
[Refrain]
John 'Babbacombe' Lee, John 'Babbacombe' Lee

[Verse 4]
The trial was quickly over and my head was full of pain
I was slowly going crazy with the same story over again
I was tired and aching, I was standing half asleep
All I wanted was to take the weight from off my feet

[Refrain]
John 'Babbacombe' Lee, John 'Babbacombe' Lee

[Verse 5]
The jury filed in slowly while we waited their command
"Courage, John, you're helpless and you are in Heaven's hand"
John Lee's not scared of dying, there's a smile I know he'll find
Cradled in a deep sleep with a perfect peace of mind

[Verse 6]
I cannot blame the jury on the evidence they heard
It seemed that I was guilty, hanged by too many words
My smile, it puzzled people, so I told them what it meant
I trust the Lord in Heaven and He knows I'm innocent

[Refrain]
John 'Babbacombe' Lee, John 'Babbacombe' Lee
John 'Babbacombe' Lee