Hangman's rope is, honey, so tough and strong Now, the hangman's rope is sure tough and strong They're goin' to hang me because I done something wrong I wanna tell you the gallows, Lord's a fearful sight I wanna tell you the gallows, Lord's a fearful sight Hang me in the mornin' and cut me down at night Well, a mean old hangman, he is waitin' to tighten up that noose I said, mean old hangman, waitin' to tighten up that noose Lord, I'm so scared, I am tremblin' in my shoes Jury heard my case and they said my hand was red Jurymen heard my case and said my hand was red And judge he sentenced me, be hangin' 'til I'm dead The crowd 'round the courthouse, and the time is drawin' fast And the crowd 'round the courthouse, and the time is drawin' fast Soon a good-for-nothin' killer is goin' to breathe his last Lord, I'm almost dyin', gaspin' for my breath Lord, I'm almost dyin', gaspin' for my breath And that triflin' woman drinkin' to celebrate my death