(Harlan Howard - Billy Mize)

I had to have the gun to get the gold
And I had to have the gold to get the girl.

She wanted things I couldn't buy, I knew I'd lose her love
She was everything in life that I've been dreaming of
And desperation one dark night began my life a crime
I knew where someone captured a gun, now the gun was mine.

I had to have the gun to get the gold
And I had to have the gold to get the girl.

I robbed and stole, I even killed to win her for my own
I found her in another's arms one night when I came home
I drew my gun they tried to run but never made the door
By their side I threw the gun I'd never leave no more.

I wouldn't need the gun to get the gold
I wouldn't need the gold to get the girl.

Now very soon I'll meet my doom the scuffle's just outside
When I found her in his arms that's when I really died
Time draws near, I hear the footsteps comin' down the hall
And as I die the reason why will haunt me most of all.

I had to have the gun to get the gold
And I had to have the gold to get the girl.

I had to have the gun to get the gold
And I had to have the gold to get the girl...