Early one morning with time to kill
I borrowed a 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, it kept running, the rider was dead
I hung my head, I hung my head

I set off running to wake from my 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
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 were dead
I hung my head, I hung my head

Early one morning with time to kill
I see the gallows high up on the hill
And off 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've done
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

Copyright: Universal Music Publishing Group
Writer(s): GORDON SUMNER