Hangman's Blues
Hangman's Blues: A Tale of Fear, Redemption, and the Gallows
Lyrics
Hangman's rope is so tough and strong
Expresses the strength and toughness of the hangman's rope, suggesting impending execution.
Oh, the hangman's rope is so tough and strong
Reiterates the strength and toughness of the hangman's rope, emphasizing the inevitability of the situation.
They gonna hang me because I done something wrong
Conveys the narrator's awareness of facing execution for a perceived wrongdoing.
I wanna tell you the gallis, Lord's a fearful sight
Describes the gallows as a frightening and ominous sight.
I wanna tell you the gallis, Lord's a fearful sight
Repeats the fear associated with the gallows and emphasizes the timing of the execution.
Hang me in the mornin' and cut me down at night
Suggests the narrator's acceptance of the inevitability of being hanged in the morning and cut down at night.
While a mean ol' hangman is waitin' to tighten up that noose
Highlights the anticipation and dread of the narrator as the hangman prepares to tighten the noose.
Oh, the mean ol' hangman is waitin' to tighten up that noose
Reiterates the ominous presence of the hangman and the narrator's intense fear.
Lord, I'm so scared, I'm trembling in my shoes
Expresses the narrator's extreme fear, leading to physical trembling.
Jury heard my case and they said my hand was red
Refers to a trial where evidence, possibly a red hand, is presented against the narrator.
? heard my case and said my hand was red
Unclear line, possibly referring to the jury again, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
And judge, he sentenced me, be hanging till I'm dead
Explains the judge's decision to sentence the narrator to hanging until death.
They crowd 'round the courthouse and the time is going fast
Describes a growing crowd at the courthouse, indicating the approaching execution.
Oh, they crowd 'round the courthouse and the time is going fast
Reiterates the crowd gathering and emphasizes the swift passage of time as the execution draws near.
Soon a good-for-nothin' killer is gonna breath his last
Suggests the imminent death of a condemned person, possibly expressing societal judgment.
Lord, I'm almost dyin', gasping for my breath
Conveys the narrator's struggle for breath, possibly indicating the physical toll of the impending execution.
Lord, I'm almost dyin', gasping for my breath
Repeats the narrator's desperate state, emphasizing the difficulty in breathing as death approaches.
And a triflin' woman waiting to celebrate my death
Describes a woman eagerly anticipating and possibly celebrating the narrator's death.
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