Cat. #1506 (MFH #999) - As sung by Max Hunter, Springfield, Missouri on March 4, 1975
VERSE 1
Th day was hot an' th road was dry
As I rode to ole Fayetteville town
With a rope 'round my neck an' my hands in cuffs
An' my boots to my stirrups tied down
VERSE 2
There was one rode right an' one rode left
An' two leadin' th way
For they brought me back to ole Fayetteville town
For this was my hanging' day
VERSE 3
An' there, we saw in th middle of town
A scaffold built so well
An' hangin' from that high cross beam
Was a rope that come from Hell
VERSE 4
My ways been wild, my life's been rough
Chasin' wild women's my game
To robbin', an' stealin' an killin' for fun
This wild one they couldn't tame
VERSE 5
The hour's been set when I am to hang
An' drop me six feet below
An' when I'm walkin' them thirteen steps
I hope a sick death I don't show
VERSE 6
I've heard songs sung an' stories been told
That somethin' could go wrong
That ropes can stretch an' traps can fall
An' I could be choked an' not hung
VERSE 7
The sheriff has come, th parsons come too
Both have a job to do
One asks for your life, the other your soul
What's left, I'll give to you
VERSE 8
I have no words to leave with you
You come here, a show to see
But when you lay your head on your pillow tonight
Remember you could have been me
VERSE 9
An' now, I'm a climin' up th steps
A starin' up at th sky
Th sun is shinnin' right over head
It's a beautiful day to die
VERSE 10
Th rope's been placed around my neck
Th knot, it's hurting my ear
Th sheriff walks up, goes over to th side
A long wooden handle is there
VERSE 11
Th rope is tight, th floor is gone
I feel I'm fallin' through air
Composed by Max Hunter (he says it's the only song he ever wrote.)