I've been here longer and I'm stronger   And I've seen as much as any man   Now many's crossed me but none have bossed me   And I don't believe they ever can   Hello son, I see you're wearin' a gun   And you say, you're on your way into town      You say, your ma told you not to   But you feel you got to   Get that man that gunned your daddy down   From the Sheriff's office to the gallows boy   That's a mighty mighty short walk   So, why you worry your horse son?      Let you and I take it easy and have a little talk   'Cause I've been here longer      Well, I can see that you're angry   And I guess, you've got plenty right to be   But the law can handle your daddy's killer   Much better than you or me   And remember your promise you made your mother   That you never would fought on a gun      So go on home to her boy   'Cause she needs you   She wouldn't stand to lose her only son   Well, I see you thought it over   And I'm glad to see you going home boy   And you wanna know what they call me      Well, I'm just the river, they call me the Mississippi   I've been here longer