Standard (EADGBE)
Intro
2x
Verse
Early one morning, with time to kill
I borrowed Jeb's rifle, and sat on the hill
I saw a lone rider, Crossing the plain
I drew a bead on him, To practice my aim
My brother's rifle, Went off in my hand
A shot rang out across the land
The horse he kept running, the rider was dead
I hung my head, I hung my head
Verse
I set off running, to wake from the dream
My brother's rifle, went into the stream
I kept on running, in-to the salt lands
And that's where they found me, my head in my hands
The sheriff he asked me, Why had I run
Then it came to me, just what I had done
And all for no reason, just one piece of lead
I hung my head, I hung my head
Break
2x
Verse
Here in the courthouse, the whole town is there
I see the judge, High up in his chair
"Explain to the courtroom, what went through your mind
And we'll ask the jury, what verdict they find"
I said "I felt the power, of death over life
I orphaned his children, I widowed his wife
I beg their forgiveness, I wish I was dead"
I hung my head, I hung my head
I hung my head, I hung my head
Break
2x
Verse
Early one morning, with time to kill
I see the gallows, up on the hill
And out in the distance, a trick of the brain
I see a lone rider, crossing the plain
He's come to fetch me, to see what they done
We'll ride together, ' Til kingdom come
I pray for God's mercy, for soon I'll be dead
I hung my head, I hung my head
I hung my head, I hung my head
I hung my head, I hung my head
I hung my head, I hung my head
I hung my head, I hung my head