A popular song from 1948
Words and music by Hank Fort and Herb Leighton
The sheet music:
Lyrics
1. Oh Miss Effie was her name
Through the west she won her fame
Being handy with the gun
But she drove the men insane
′Cause she’d whip out her pistol
And shoot most any guy
And sing out this alibi
Chorus:
I didn′t know the gun was loaded
And I’m so sorry, my friend
I didn’t know the gun was loaded
And I′ll never, never do it again
2. Now one night she had a date
With a wrestling heavyweight
And he tried a brand new hold
She did not appreciate
So she whipped out her pistol
And shot him in the knee
Then quickly she sang this plea
3. Soon a millionaire in town
Started taking her around
She was happy till he said
That some socialite he’d wed
So she whipped out her pistol
And shot him in the side
Then fell to her knees and cried
4. But one night she made a slip
Shot the sheriff in the hip
So the law, it took a hand
And made Effie take the stand
And she pled, “Oh, your honor
I′ll know you’ll turn me loose
When you hear my one excuse”
5. Yes, the jury all agreed
That Miss Effie should be freed
But the sheriff′s jealous wife
Was indignant (yes, indeed)
So she borrowed a pistol
And shot this village belle
And sang as Miss Effie fell