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 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 sheen
I kept on running into the south lands
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 was 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 begged 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'd come to fetch me, to see what they'd 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
