(Blind Lemon Jefferson)
Hangman's rope sho' is tough and strong
Hangman's rope sho' is tough and strong

They gonna hang me because I did something wrong
I wanna tell you the gallis Lord's a fearful sight
I wanna tell you the gallis Lord's a fearful sight

Hang me in the mornin', and cut me down at night
Mean ole hangman is waitin' to tighten up that noose
Mean ole hangman is waitin' to tighten up that noose

Lord, I'm so scared I'm trembling in my shoes
Jury heard my case and they said my hands was red
Jury heard my case and they said my hands was red

And judge he sentenced me be hanging till I'm dead
Crowd 'round the courthouse and the time is going fast
Crowd 'round the courthouse and the time is going fast

Soon a good-for-nothin' killer is gonna breath his last
Lord, I'm almost dyin', gasping for my breath
Lord, I'm almost dyin', gasping for my breath

And a triflin' woman waiting to celebrate my death