Chicago c. July 1928, Pm 12679,
G position and pitch.
Hangman's rope, it sure is tough and strong.
I say, hangman's rope, it's sure tough and strong.
They're gonna hang me because I did something wrong.
I wanna tell you the gallows, honey's a fearful sight.
I wanna say the gallows, sure is fearsome sight.
Hang me down in the mornin', cut me down at night.
Mean old hangman, he's waitin' to tighten up that noose.
I said, a mean old hangman, he's waitin' to tighten up that noose.
Lord, I'm so scared, I'm tremblin' in my shoes.
Jurymen heard my case and said my hand was red.
Jury's heard my case and they said my hand was red.
And the judge sentenced for me to hang until I'm dead.
Crowd around the courthouse, for the time is drawin' fast.
Crowd around the courthouse, for the time is drawin' fast.
Sayin', a good-for-nothin' killer is gonna breathe his last.
I'm almost dyin', I was gaspin' for my breath,
Mama, I'm almost dyin', gaspin' for my breath,
And that triflin' woman is drinkin' to celebrate my death.
Hangman's Blues (20816-2) - Blind Lemon Jefferson,
Chicago c. August 1928, Pm 12679,
G position and pitch.
(Thirteenth on Fridays is always my bad luck days. Hmmm, if I could find me a hoodoo doctor I'd make my getaway.)
Hangman's rope is, honey, so tough and strong.
Now, the hangman's rope is sure tough and strong.
They're goin' to hang me because I done something wrong.
I wanna tell you the gallows, Lord's a fearful sight.
I wanna tell you the gallows, Lord's a fearful sight.
Hang me in the mornin' and cut me down at night.
Well, a mean old hangman, he is waitin' to tighten up that noose.
I said, mean old hangman, waitin' to tighten up that noose.
Lord, I'm so scared, I am tremblin' in my shoes.
Jury heard my case and they said my hand was red.
Jurymen heard my case and said my hand was red.
And judge he sentenced me, be hangin' 'til I'm dead.
The crowd 'round the courthouse, and the time is drawin' fast.
And the crowd 'round the courthouse, and the time is drawin' fast.
Soon a good-for-nothin' killer is goin' to breathe his last.
Lord, I'm almost dyin', gaspin' for my breath,
Lord, I'm almost dyin', gaspin' for my breath,
And that triflin' woman drinkin' to celebrate my death.