He was a friend of mine, he was a friend of mine
Every time I think about him now, Lord I just can't keep from cryin'
'Cause he was a friend of mine
He died on the road, he died on the road
He never had enough money to pay his room or board
And he was a friend of mine
I stole away and cried, I stole away and cried
'Cause I never had too much money and I never been quite satisfied
And he was a friend of mine
He never done no wrong, he never done no wrong
A thousand miles from home, and he never harmed no one
And he was a friend of mine
He was a friend of mine, he was a friend of mine
Every time I hear his name, Lord I just can't keep from cryin'
'Cause he was a friend of mine.