He killed many a man
And he roamed over the Scarsdale range
Robbin’ from the rich
And givin’ to the poor
He was dark and cold and full of rage
Oh yes he was, sing with me
Poor Jesse had a wife
To mourn for his life
And three children
They were oh so brave
But that dirty little coward
He went and shot Mr. Howard
Laid poor Jesse in his grave yeah
It was on a Saturday night
When Jesse was at home
Talking to old railroad Jed
Along come Robert Ford
Like a theif in the night
And he shot poor Jesse in the back
Poor Jesse had a wife
To mourn for his life
Three children
They were oh so brave
But that dirty little coward
He went and shot Mr. Howard
Laid poor Jesse in his grave yeah
He lays
Six feet under the ground
Ballad of an Outlaw: The Story Behind “James, Jesse”
Bob Seger’s “James, Jesse” paints a vivid portrait of Jesse James, the legendary American outlaw. The song recounts his life as a notorious bandit who “roamed over the Scarsdale range,” robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Seger captures both the myth and tragedy of Jesse James, highlighting not just his criminal exploits but also his humanity—a man with a wife and three children left to grieve his loss. The betrayal by Robert Ford, “that dirty little coward,” is recounted with emotional weight, emphasizing the shocking end of a folk hero at the hands of a supposed friend.
A Tragic Legacy
The lyrics reflect on the duality of Jesse James: revered by some as a Robin Hood figure, but ultimately brought down by betrayal. The somber tone in the final verse, noting Jesse’s burial “six feet under the ground,” underscores the sense of loss and the enduring fascination with his legend.
Song Credits
Artist: Bob Seger
Songwriter: Bob Seger