Early one morning, with time to kill
I borrowed Jed's rifle, went up on the hill
I saw a lone rider crossing the plain
and 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 shean
I kept on running into the southland
and 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 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 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

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's come to fetch me to see what they've done
and we'll ride together to 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

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