Build My Gallows High

(album: Songs Of The Open Spaces - 1953)

The clock in the tower is now striking one
And who can I turn to and where can I run
It says in the Good Book an eye for an eye
A life I have taken, tomorrow I die

Build my gallows high, dig my grave down deep
Perhaps when it's over, I'll be able to sleep

The clock in the tower is now striking three
I hope there is someone a-praying for me
I sit in the jailhouse, afraid of the dark
A rope will be waiting, a life will be gone

The clock in the tower is now striking five
In just a few moments the guards will arrive
This sad world I'm leaving, and as I depart
The clock in the tower will stop with my heart

Build my gallows high, dig my grave down deep
Perhaps when it's over, I'll be able to sleep