I Hung My Head

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

I set off running to wake from the dream

My brother's rifle went into the sheen

I kept on running into the South lands

That's where they found me, my head in my hands

The sheriff, he asked me why had I run

And 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

Here in the courthouse, the whole town was 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 felt the power of death over life

I orphaned his children, I widowed his wife

I begged their forgiveness, I wish I was dead

I hung my head, I hung my head

I hung my head, I hung my head

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

And he'd come to fetch me, to see what they'd done

And 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