Hung My Head

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