Intro: Verse Early one morning, with time to kill I borrowed Jeb's rifle, and sat on the hill I saw a lone rider, crossing the plane I drew a beed 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 hung my head Verse I set off running, to wake from this dream My brother's rifle, went into the stream I kept on running, into the salt lands That's where they found me, my head in my hands The sheriff he asked me, why had I run 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 I hung my head, I hung my head Solo (X4) Em (X2) Verse 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 said "I felt the power, of death over life (The power to) orphaned his children, widowed his wife I ask no forgiveness, I wish I was dead" I hung my head, I hung my head I hung my head, I hung my head Verse Early one morning, with time to kill I see the gallows, up on the hill Out in the distance, a trick of the brain I see a lone rider, crossing the plain He's come to give me, to see what they done We'll ride together, till kingdom come I ask for no mercy, for soon I'll be dead I hung my head, I hung my head I hung my head, I hung my head I hung my head, I hung my head I hung my head, I hung my head Outro (X4) (X2) (X4)