Blind Lemon Jefferson

Ruler

New! Nonstop Internet Blues Radio: listen to your favorite blues music while you surf!

General Blues
Electric Blues
Rockin' Blues
Acoustic Blues
Jump Blues
Also: Blues MP3
Have you already seen the new Blues MP3 page?
Want free blues mp3 for your own site? Click here!.

Hangman's Blues

soundclip


by Blind Lemon Jefferson
recording of July 1928, Chicago

from Blind Lemon Jefferson (Milestone 47022) & Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1928) (Document DOCD-5019), copyright notice

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 gallis1 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'2 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.












Click Here!



Click Here!