as I was walking along the road
my raincoat gathered' round
I met a pretty lady
comin' from the town
she had a basket on her arm
and she stumbled as she ran
so when she came before me
I commanded her to stand
I cannot stop or stand she cried
Though that's the way I feel
but I dare not wait one moment
for the sheriff's at my heels
Why do they seek one such as you
I asked her in alarm
Because I killed the preacher
though I meant to do no harm
for he followed me alone last night
and he tried to make no sound
and he tried to take me
upon the cold wet ground
but as he fell upon me
I struck out at his head
and when he lat beside me
I saw that he was dead
and they will not listen to me
when I tell them what was done
devil to me to them he was
a saint to everyone
for he gave sermons every night
for all the world to see
against a man who's known so well
would you believe in me
so I took her to my house that night
and I hid her through the day
and when the search had ended
I sent her on her way
for I don't despise the pauper
and I don't despise the priest
but I do despise the PHARISEE
who prays out in the street