Hangman- Shiflett (VA) 1962 Foss/Abrahams
[From Roger Abrahams & George Foss; Anglo-American Folksong Style, Prentice-Hall, Sof (1968). Robert Shiflett was one of George Foss's important informants.
R. Matteson 2015]
Hangman- sung by Robert Shifflett, of Brown's Cove, Virginia, 1962.
1. "Hangman, hangman hold your rope,
Hold it for awhile,
I think I see my Father comin',
A many and a many long mile."
2. "Father, father have You gold,
Gold to set me free,
Or have you come to see me hang,
Upon the gallows tree?"
3. "No, my son, I have no gold,
Gold to set you free,
I \Mill have to see You han$,
Upon the gallows tree."
4. "Hangman, hangman hold your rope,
Hold it for awhile,
I think I see my Mother comin',
A many and a many long mile."
5. "Mother, mother have you gold?
Gold to set me free,
Or have you come to see me hang,
Upon the gallows tree?"
6. "No, my son, I have no gold,
Gold to set You free,
And I will have to see You hang,
Upon the gallows tree."
7. "Hangman, hangman hold your rope,
Hold it for awhile,
I think I see my sweetheart comin',
A many and a many long mile."
8. "Oh my love, do you have gold?
Gold to set me free,
Or have you come to see me hang,
Upon the gallows tree?"
9. "Yes, my love, I have brought gold,
Gold to set You free,
I did not corne to see you hang,
Upon the gallows tree."