The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #6066   Message #34920
Posted By: Brian Hoskin
15-Aug-98 - 09:29 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Hangman's Blues (Blind Lemon Jefferson)
Subject: Lyr Add: HANGMAN'S BLUES (Blind Lemon Jefferson)
Here you are
Brian


HANGMAN'S BLUES
Blind Lemon Jefferson, c. July 1928

Hangman's rope, it sure is tough and strong.
I say, hangman's rope is sure tough and strong.
They're gonna hang me because I did something wrong.

I wanna tell you the gallows is a fearful sight.
I wanna say, the gallows sure is fearful sight.
Hang me down in the mornin', cut me down at night.

Mean old hangman, he's waitin' to tighten up that noose.
I said, a mean old hangman, he's waitin' to tighten up that noose.
Lord, I'm so scared, I am tremblin' in my shoes.

Jurymen heard my case and said my hand was red.
Jury's heard my case and they said my hand was red.
And the judge sentenced me for to hang until I'm dead.

Crowd around the courthouse, for the time is drawin' fast.
Crowd around the courthouse, for the time is drawin' fast.
Sayin', a good-for-nothin' killer is gonna breathe his last.

I'm almost dyin', almost gaspin' for my breath.
Mama, I'm almost dyin', gaspin' for my breath.
And that triflin' woman, is plannin' to celebrate my death.