Hangman's Blues
by 
Blind Lemon Jefferson 
recording of July 1928, Chicago 
from 
Blind Lemon Jefferson (Milestone 47022) 
& 
Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1928) (Document DOCD-5019) 
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 
__________ 
Note: in some states that had the death penalty, hanging was still the preferred method of execution until the 1950's. Nowadays all states have converted to poison injections, gas or the electric chair. Issued by Paramount under catalogue no. 12679B; 
Note 1: gallis, gallows, a frame usually of two upright posts and a transverse beam from which criminals are hanged, called also gallows tree; 
Note 2: triflin', to talk in a jesting or mocking manner or with intent to delude or mislead or to treat someone or something as unimportant.