"Billy the Kid" is a song by Bobbie Gentry, released in 1971 as part of her album "Patchwork". The song tells the story of the infamous American outlaw, Billy the Kid, and explores the reasons behind his actions. The lyrics suggest that Billy the Kid is not entirely to blame for his wild and violent behavior because he was deprived of proper guidance and upbringing during his childhood. It sympathizes with him, understanding that the untamed environment of the American West played a role in shaping his actions. The chorus of the song, "Whoopee ti yi yipee yipee, shoot 'em in the belly Billy," reflects the violent nature of Billy the Kid's actions and the wild atmosphere of the time. It describes him taking revenge on his enemies, as mentioned in the line, "Shoot 'em in the head." The song also touches upon the consequences of Billy's actions, suggesting that he is headed for a final showdown or "last round up". Although his physical surroundings (corral) may be secure, his morale or mental state is in a sad and bad way. As the song progresses, it highlights that if Billy had received proper guidance and upbringing from his father, he could have become a good person instead of turning to a life of crime. It implies that environmental circumstances, possibly referring to the tough conditions in the Wild West, contributed to him going astray. The lyrics mention seeing Billy on TV, referring to his notoriety and public prominence. However, he meets his eventual demise, swinging from the top of a tree as a form of punishment (capital P). Overall, "Billy the Kid" offers a perspective on the famous outlaw, portraying him as a product of his environment and upbringing, rather than simply a villain. It explores the complex factors that contributed to Billy's actions while acknowledging the consequences he faced in the end.
