The Del Barber deer story and my own Blackbird story from yesterday’s post led me to think of this powerful song.
I Hung My Head
(Words and Music by Sting)
(Performed by Sting – listen here and Johnny Cash – listen here)
Early one mornin’ with time to kill
I borrowed Jeb’s rifle and sat on the hill
I saw a lone rider, crossin’ the plain
I drew a bead on him to practice my aim
My brother’s rifle went off in my hand
The shot rang out, across the land
The horse he kept runnin’, the rider was dead
I hung my head, I hung my head
I set off runnin’ to wake from the dream
But my brother’s rifle went into the stream
I kept on runnin’ 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
I hung my head, I hung my head
Early one mornin’ 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, crossin’ the plain
He come to fetch me to see what they done
And 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
Songwriter: STING; Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing