Cat. #1510 (MFH #248) - As sung by Sam Osterloh, Freistatt, Missouri on March 12, 1975
VERSE 1
Slack your rope, hangman
Slack it for awhile
I think I see my Father comin'
Ridin' for many a mile
Have you brought me hope?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see me
Hangin', from th gallows tree?
I have not brought you hope
I have not paid your fee
Yes, I have come to see you
Hangin', from th gallows tree
VERSE 2
Slack your rope, hangman
Slack it for awhile
I think I see my Mother comin'
Ridin' for many a mile
Have you brought me hope?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see me
Hangin' from th gallows tree?
I have not brought you hope
I have not paid your fee
Yes, I have come to see you
Hangin' from th gallows tree
VERSE 3
Slack your rope, hangman
Slack it for awhile
I think I see my Brother comin'
Ridin' for many a mile
Have you brought me hope?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see me
Hangin' from th gallows tree?
I have not brought you hope
I have not paid your fee
Yes, I have come to see you
Hangin' from th gallows tree
VERSE 4
Slack your rope, hangman
Slack it for awhile
I think I see my true love comin'
Ridin' for many a mile
Have you brought me hope?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see me
Hangin' from th gallows tree?
Yes, I have brought you hope
Yes, I have paid your fee
Cause I have come to save your hangin'
From th gallows tree
From th gallows tree