Intro : 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 stream I kept on running Into the salt lands And that's where they found me My head in my hands The sheriff he asked me Why had I run 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 is 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 said « I felt the power Of death over life I orphaned his children I widowed his wife I beg their 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 in the distance A trick of the brain I see a lone rider Crossing the plain He's come to fetch me To see what they done We'll ride together 'Til 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 I hung my head, I hung my head