written by Bruce Springsteen and Warren Zevon 1980 Zevon Music BMI and Bruce Springsteen ASCAP. I was born down by the river where the dirty water flows. And the cold wind cut through me it cut right through my clothes. And the anger and the yearning like fever in my veins. Set the fire burning. She came down from Knightstown with her hands hard from the line. From the first time I laid eyes on her. I knew that she'd be mine. Her father was a lawman he swore he'd shoot me dead. 'Cause he knew I wanted Jeannie and I'd have her like I said. Jeannie needs a shooter. Shooter like me. Jeannie needs a shooter. Shooter on her side. Jeannie needs a shooter. We met down by the river on the final day in May. And when I leaned down to kiss her she did not turn away. I drew out all my money and together we did vow. To leave that very evening and get away somehow. Jeannie needs a shooter. Shooter like me. Jeannie needs a shooter. Shooter on her side. Jeannie needs a shooter. The night was cold and rainy down by the borderline. I was riding hard to meet her when a shot rang out behind. As I lay there in the darkness with a pistol by my side. Jeannie and her father rode off into the night. Jeannie needs a shooter.