E
About the time that Daddy left to fight the big war
B
I saw my first pistol in the general store
In the general store, when I was thirteen
E
Thought it was the finest thing I ever had seen
I asked if I could have one someday when I grew up
Mama dropped a dozen eggs, she really blew up
She really blew up and I didn't understand
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
A E
The devil's right hand, the devil's right hand
B E
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
My very first pistol was a cap and ball Colt
Shoot as fast as lightin' but it loads a mite slow
Loads a mite slow and soon I found out
It get you into trouble but it can't get you out
So, then I went and bought myself a Colt .45
Called a peacemaker, but I never knew why
Never knew why, I didn't understand
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
Repeat Chorus Twice / Verse Break / Modulate to F#
Well, I got into a card game in a company town
Caught a miner cheating, I shot the dog down
Shot the dog down, I watched the man fall
Never touched his holster, never had a chance to draw
The trial was in the morning and they drug me out of bed
Asked me how I pleaded, not guilty I said
Not guilty I said, you've got the wrong man
Nothing touched the trigger but the devil's right hand
Repeat Chorus Twice - but end second with "nothing touched the trigger...
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand