Traditional with additional lyrics by Jim McGuinn. He was a friend of mine. He was a friend of mine. His killing had no purpose. No reason or rhyme. He was a friend of mine. He was in Dallas town. He was in Dallas town. Form a sixth floor window. A gunner shot him down. He died in Dallas town. He never knew my name. He never knew my name. Though I never met him. I knew him just the same. Oh he was a friend of mine.