As I write this letter to you darling I can't hold the teardrops from my eyes
For at sundown I will lay a dying at the door of the Fool's Paradise
Rode into this cattle town this morning left my bearer to check the market price

And I walked into the nearest barroom they call it the Fool's Paradise
There the crowd was gay and girls were dancing
And the men were playing cards and dies
So I stepped up to the bar to join them what a grand place this Fool's Paradise
It was then I showed to them your picture I passed it around once or twice
Then a man insulted your sweet honor at the bar of the Fool's Paradise

So I slapped his face and I told him
I said you eat 'em words Mister or draw that's my advice
And he said well somebody might get hurty inside
But I'll be glad to meet you in the street at sundown
At sundown in front of the Fool's Paradise
So goodbye my darling may God bless you I go to make this sacrifice
And if ever you visit old Dodge City remember the Fool's Paradise