Three Sheets to the Wind

Now Henry slapped his mules as he set 'em free to graze
 Took the rag out of his pocket and he wiped the sweat away
 He glanced back toward the house, saw his daughter dressed in white
 Hangin' laundry on the line that ran alongside the pen
 Three sheets to the wind
 Now the year was '71, Kansas was alive
 Reconstruction was the order for those who would abide
 But Henry was a black man, there were those where he went
 Who weren't afraid to tell him what that proclamation meant to them
 Three sheets to the wind
 Beware of the shadows that fall before the dawn
 Don't ever trust a man 'less you know where he comes from
 Many are the ladies who can recall the name
 Of a fool that lost his life over things he could not change
 Now Billy poured a drink, and he stared down at his cards
 The night was getting late, and his thoughts were growing dark
 He said "Boys, I think its time we made our presence known
 "Let's take a little ride, see if good old Henry's home," and he grinned
 Three sheets to the wind
 They met behind the barn over at Billy's place
 Billy had a rope and a hood to cover his face
 And the creaking of the leather, and the hooves against the ground
 Was all that could be heard as they made their way around the bend
 Three sheets to the wind
 Billy's wife had a feeling that led her to the sheriff's door
 She had tears in her eyes and trouble to report
 She saw Billy's horse that morning still saddled by the gate
 The last she heard of Billy, he was out drinking late with friends
 Three sheets to the wind
 Well the barkeep tipped the sheriff about Billy and his plans
 Sheriff lit out for Henry's to see what became of him
 But Henry had slipped away and all he'd left there at the scene
 Was three bodies swayin' to the ropes tied beneath their chins
 Three sheets to the wind