Gather 'round people let me tell you 'bout Dupree Gather 'round people let me tell you 'bout Dupree And his woman back in 1903 Betty was her name said she wanted a diamond ring Betty was her name said she wanted a diamond ring.
Dupree told Betty you can have most anything Just lay down pretty Betty see what tomorrow brings Said lay down pretty Betty see what tomorrow brings May bring sunshine it may bring your diamond ring.
Dupree went down-town a '44 in his hand Dupree went down-town a '44 in his hand Went for the jewelry but he shot that jewelry man Dupree said Betty here's your diamond ring Dupree said Betty here's your diamond ring Just to please you pretty Betty I've done, done a wicked thing.
Dupree told Betty I'm bound for Tennessee Dupree told Betty I'm bound for Tennessee I'm sorry pretty Betty but that sheriff is a haunting me They caught poor Dupree and put him into the jail Caught poor Dupree put him in the jail.
Atlanta prison is where Betty took Dupree his mail Dupree said judge I ain't been here before Dupree said judge I ain't been here before Judge told Dupree I'm gonna see that you don't come back no more.
They took him to the scaffold a black cap upon his face Took him to the scaffold a black cap upon his face Now the cold cold ground is for Dupree's resting place Betty went to the graveyard singing near oh my God to thee Betty went to the graveyard singing near oh my God to thee.
Oh, mister hangman look what you done done to Dupree She told the hack-driver to drive his wagon slow Told the hack-driver drive your dead wagon slow When you bury my Dupree I ain't gonna see him no more.
Sail on Dupree sail on, sail on Dupree sail on Don't mind you sailing but you be gone so long So long Dupree poor boy so long, Dupree poor boy Don't mind you sailing you'll be gone so long, sail on.