The talking head is a dramatic ending, which I quite like. I might try using a bit of the Child version which ends with

"He laid his head upon the block
And word spoke never more"

- which is probably more realistic.

Most of the Child versions cut off, if you'll pardon the expression, before the execution. This version of the last verse is particularly tantalising:

He laid his head upon the block,
The axe was sharp and strong,


And? And?

I'm intrigued by the headless-chicken version - is it online anywhere?