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 bread 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 stream
I kept on running into 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
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
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
@ Sting