I borrowed Jeff's and sat on the hill
I saw a lone rider crossing the plain
I took a beat on him to practice my aim
My brother's rifle went off in my hand
And a shot rang out across the land
The horse he kept running,
I hung my head, I hung my head,
I set off running to wake from a dream
My brother's rifle went into the scene
I kept on runnin' into the sad land
That's where they found me,
The sheriff, he asked me,
And all for no reason, just one piece of lead
I hung my head, I hung my head,
I see the judge, high up in his chair
Explained to the courtroom
what went through your mind
what verdict they'll find
I felt the power of death over life
I orphaned his children, I widowed his wife
I begged his forgiveness, I wish I was dead
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 of the distance a trick of the brain
I see a lone rider crossin' the plain
And he's come to fetch me,
And we'll ride together, till kingdom come
I'll pray for God's mercy,
I hung my head, I hung my head,
