Two fragments from the Max Hunter collection . . . . I particularly like Kay Ohrlin's melody for this one.

Gallows Song

As sung by Kay Orhlin, Mountain View, Arkansas on October 7, 1969

They've taken me to th gallows, Mother
Their going to hang me high
Th people will gather beneath me there
An' watch me till I die
Th crazy mob will shout an' groan
Th priest will read a prayer
Th trap will fall beneath my feet
An' leave me in the air

It is a bright an' a beautiful day
Th sun is shining high
It is a bright an' a beautiful day
Th sun is shining high
It is a wonderful day to live
An' a gloomy one to die


Gallows Song

As sung by Raymond Sanders, Mountain View, Arkansas on May 12, 1970

They've taken me to th gallows, Mother
Their goin' to hang me high
Th people will gather around me there
An' watch me till I die
Th crazy mob will shout an' groan
Th Priest will read a prayer
Th trap will fall beneath my feet
An' leave me in th air

It is a bright an' a beautiful day
Th sun is rising high
It is a bright an' a beautiful day
Th sun is rising high
It is a wonderful day t' live
A gloomy one to die