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