'Spider John' is my name, friend I'm in between freights and I sure would be obliged If you'd share your company I know this may sound strange to you But if you wait till the song is sung and the story is told You might come to understand Oh, I'm old and bent and Devil sent, runnin' out of time When I long ago held a Royal Flush in my hand Chorus: Oh, I was a Supermarket fool I was a motor bank stool-pigeon, robbin' my hometown I thought I lost my blues, yes I thought I paid my dues I thought I'd found a life to suit my style But here I sit old Spider John the robber-man Long, tall, and handsome Yes, old Spider John with a loaded hand, takin' ransom Then one day I met Diamond Lil She was the sweetest thing, I declare That the summer breeze had ever blown my way But Lilly she had no idea, of my illustrious occupation She thought I was a saint, not a sinner, gone astray But you see that the word got around and Lilly left town Never saw her again Tossin' and turnin', 'causin' my heart to grieve Chorus That is all my story It's been these thirty years since I took to the road To find my precious jewel one And if you see my Lilly, won't you give her my regards Tell her ole Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun You can tell her ole Spider got tangled the black web that he spun