Gallows


I pull the trigger of my gun
Kill my victim Number One
A mere stranger to me
but his death set me free

Try to run. Don't think I can
cause I'm wanted in all the land
My picture is an eight by ten
Riding hard to catch the wind

I ride into a cattle town
about the time the sun goes down
Find the dancehall and saloon
A barroom maiden sings a tune

Tie my horse and walk in
Barkeep pours whiskey again
I sit down to clear my mind
The posse not far behind

Help myself to a dancing girl
Raven hair set my heart awhirl
Place my gun down on the bed
Listen to the words she said

Comes a smile upon her face
Takes me back to another place
Make love throughout the night
Slit her throat in the dawning light

I step into the dusty street
The marshal draws his deadly bead
Drop my gun-belt off my hip
Knew I'd made a fatal slip

Gallows stand so strong and tall
They stretch the noose. Soon I'll fall
Sun lights up the morning sky
It's too pretty for a man to die

With my feet on the trap
The sheriff gives my back a slap
I hear the cawing of the crow
Now I'm swinging. Here I go