The singer/victim admits to shooting the sheriff in self-defence. He is charged with shooting the deputy, who was not threatening him. This means that killing the deputy is indeed a capital offence. So, as the lyrics say, where was the deputy? We know that the sheriff hated the victim and wanted him either dead or a failure; this must be why he drew his gun - to prevent his permanent victim from leaving town and escaping his malice. The victim's reflexes got the better of him and he shot the sheriff; however, he probably was something of a loser and probably drew his gun more slowly than the sheriff would. The sheriff has a choice: shoot the victim, which would end his life quickly, or shoot the deputy! He knew he was doomed, and wanted his last action to cause the long-drawn-out end of his victim's life. And, what's one more dead person in the life of a sheriff? He would think it was worth it.
The singer/victim admits to shooting the sheriff in self-defence. He is charged with shooting the deputy, who was not threatening him. This means that killing the deputy is indeed a capital offence. So, as the lyrics say, where was the deputy? We know that the sheriff hated the victim and wanted him either dead or a failure; this must be why he drew his gun - to prevent his permanent victim from leaving town and escaping his malice. The victim's reflexes got the better of him and he shot the sheriff; however, he probably was something of a loser and probably drew his gun more slowly than the sheriff would. The sheriff has a choice: shoot the victim, which would end his life quickly, or shoot the deputy! He knew he was doomed, and wanted his last action to cause the long-drawn-out end of his victim's life. And, what's one more dead person in the life of a sheriff? He would think it was worth it.