Lyrics: Kris Kristofferson. Live At The Philharmonic. Billy Dee.

Billy Dee was seventeen when he turned twenty-one
Fooling with some foolish things he could've left alone
But he had to try to satisfy a thirst he couldn't name
Driven toward the darkness by the devils in his veins

All around the honky tonks searching for a sign
Gettin' by on gettin' high on women words and wine
Some folks called him crazy Lord others called him free
But we just called us lucky for the love of Billy Dee

[ guitar ]
Busy goin' his own way and speakin' his own words
Facin' and forgettin' every warning that he heard
Making friends and takin' any crazy chance he could
Gettin' busted for the bad times and believin' in the good

Billy took a beatin' from a world he meant no harm
The score was written in the scars upon his arm
Some felt he was paying for the life he tried to lead
But all we felt was sorry for our good friend Billy Dee

[ guitar ]
It may be his soul was bigger than a body's oughta be
Singin' songs and bringin' laughter to the likes of you and me
Cause the world he saw was sadder than the one he hoped to find
But it wasn't near as lonesome as the one he left behind

Yesterday they found him on the floor of his hotel
Reachin' toward the needle Lord that drove him down to hell
Some folks called it suicide others blamed to speed
But we just called it crucified when Billy Dee OD'd