Standard (EADGBE)

Eli Renfro killed his wife

With a long sharp bowie knife

Hacked her up and put her in the ground

Death by hanging was to be his fate

And old Eli filled with hate

Put a curse on the entire town

Chorus

 Can't you hear, can't you hear

When the moon is bright and clear

 From time to time

 It's old Eli dragging chains

And moaning peoples names

 And I hope and I pray that he never thinks of mine

I was walking the high road late last night

The stars were out and the moon was bright

The wind was blowing you could hear for half a mile

Then an awful sound came through the trees

It chilled my blood and it shook my knees

The kinda thing that makes a man run wild

Chorus

Well if you get home before I do

Don't look back cause I'm coming through

I'm packing my things and I'm headed far away

They say you can't run away from a curse

Maybe this time I'll be the first

Ain't nobody here gonna make me stay

Chorus

(repeat: and I hope and I pray he never thinks of mine)