Come on and take heed
Just remember the death of poor Ella Speed
Come on and take heed
Just remember the death of poor Ella Speed

Ella Speed was down town just a havin' her lovin' fun
Let me tell you what Bill Morton done

The deed that Bill Morton done
First degree murder with a Colt forty-one

Bill Morton he was long and slen-der
Better known by being a bar tender

Bill Morton was arrested and locked up in jail
The judge said Bill Morton I'll never fail

The deed Bill Morton that you done
You're sentenced, you know you ought-ta be hung

When the women all heard that Ella Speed was dead
All goes back home and they re-ragged in red

Copyright: Red Brick Music Publishing
Writer(s): ALAN LOMAX, HUDDIE WILLIAM LEDBETTER, JOHN A. LOMAX