Written by Norman Blake
Verse: 1 D G D A* Billy Gray rode in to Gantry, back in eighty-three G D D A* A There he did meet young Sarah McCray D G D A* That wild rose of morning, that pale flower dawning, G D A D D* Herald of springtime in his young life that day. Verse: 2 D G D A* Sarah she could not see the daylight of reality, G D D A* A In her young eyes Billy bore not a flaw. D G D A* Knowing not her chosen one was a hired gun, G D A D D* Wanted in Kansas City by the law. Verse: 3 D G D A* Then one day a tall man, came riding 'cross the bad lands, G D D A* A That lie to the north of New Mexico. D G D A* He was overheard to say he was lookin' for Billy Grey, G D A D D* A ruthless man and a dangerous outlaw. Verse: 4 D G D A* The deadly news came creeping, while Billy lie sleeping, G D D A* A There in the Claredon Bar and Hotel. D G D A* He fled toward the old church, there on the outskirts, G D A D D* Thinking he'd climb that old steeple bell. D G D A* A rifle ball came flying, face down he lay dying, G D D A A There in the dust of the road where he fell. D G D A* Sarah she ran to him, cursing the lawman, G D A D D* Accepting no reason, just knowing he was killed. Verse: 5 D G D A* Sarah lives in that same old white frame house G D D A* A* Where she first met Billy some forty years ago. D G D A* The wild rose of morning has faded with the dawning G D A D D* Of each day of sorrow the long years had sown. D G D A* Written on a stone where the dusty winds had long blown, G D D A* A Eighteen words to a passing world say: D G D A* "True love knows no season, no rhyme nor no reason, G D A D* Justice is cold as the Grainger county clay." Outro: D G D A* Yes, True love knows no season, no rhyme nor no reason, G D A D Justice is cold as the Grainger county clay.