Key: G
Introduction:
G C/G G
Billy Dee was seventeen when he turned twenty-one
D
Fooling with some foolish things he could've left alone
G C/G G
But he had to try to satisfy a thirst he couldn't name
D G
Driven towards the darkness by the devil in his veins
C/G G
All around the honky tonks,searching for a sign
D
Gettin' by on gettin' high on women,words and wine
G C/G G
Some folks called him crazy,Lord,and others called him free
D G
But we just called us lucky for the love of Billy Dee
Verse 2:(Three and a half tones lower)
C/G F C/G
Busy goin' his own way and speakin' his own words
G
Facin' and forgettin' every warnin' that he heard
C/G F C/G
Makin' friends and takin' any crazy chance he could
G C/G
Gettin' busted for the bad times and believin' in the good
F C/G
Billy took a beatin' from a world he meant no harm
G
The score was written in the scars up on his arm
C/G F C/G
Some felt he was payin' for the life he tried to lead
G C/G
But all we felt was sorry for our good friend Billy Dee
Verse 3:(Four and a half tones higher)
A D A
It may be his soul bigger than a body's oughta be
E
Singin' songs and bringin' laughter to the likes of you and me
A D A
Cause the world he saw was sadder than the one he hoped to find
E A
But it wasn't near as lonesome as the one he left behind
D A
Yesterday they found him on the floor of his hotel
E
Reachin' towards the needle,Lord,that drove him down to hell
A D A
Some folks called it suicide,others blame the speed
E A
But we all called it crucified when Billy Dee O.D.'d