His momma cried when she heard the news
Of the crime that he had been accused
Said he shot him down
So at the age of 21
The gavel fell and his life was gone
They said take him to the hangman's tree

Now won't you take him to the hangman's tree
Won't you take him to the hangman's tree
Won't you take him
Take him to the hangman's tree

And so he waited for that day
Locked inside those prison walls of gray
Waiting for the end
Without a fight he gave his life
Eye for an eye legal suicide
His escape was complete

Good God take him!

Now won't you take him to the hangman's tree
Won't you take him to the hangman's tree
Won't you take him
Take him to the hangman's tree
To the hangman's tree
No! No! No! God no! No!

Now they're taking him
Whoa down from the hangman's tree