Johnny Cash — I Hung My Head

[Verse 1: Johnny Cash] Early one morning With time to kill I borrowed Jebb's rifle And sat on the hill I saw a lone rider Crossing the plain I drew a bead on him To practice my aim My brother's rifle Went off in my hand A shot rang out Across the land The horse, he kept running The rider was dead [Chorus: Johnny Cash] I hung my head I hung my head [Verse 2: Johnny Cash] I set off running To wake from the dream My brother's rifle Went into the sheen I kept on running Into the south lands That's where they found me My head in my hands The sheriff, he asked me "Why had I run?" And then it came to me Just what I had done And all for no reason Just one piece of lead [Chorus: Johnny Cash] I hung my head I hung my head [Verse 3: Johnny Cash] Here in the courthouse The whole town was 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 felt the power Of death over life I orphaned his children I widowed his wife I begged their forgiveness I wish I was dead [Chorus: Johnny Cash] I hung my head I hung my head I hung my head I hung my [Verse 4: Johnny Cash] Early one morning 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 Crossing the plain And he'd come to fetch me To see what they'd done And we'll ride together To kingdom come I pray for God's mercy For soon I'll be dead [Chorus: Johnny Cash] I hung my head I hung my head I hung my head I hung my head