Johnny Cash - I Hung My Head lyrics

Early one morning with time to kill
I borrowed Jebb'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

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