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

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

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
And quickly, she sang this plea

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

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 plead, "oh your honor
I'll know you turn me loose
When you hear my one excuse"

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

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

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

(Uh oh! I didn't know it was loaded)