Hangman, Hangman- Woolsey (AR) 1954 Parler E
[From Ozark Folk Songs online. Coll. by Mary Jo Davis For M. C. Parler; Reel 189 Item 13.
R. Matteson 2015]
Hangman, Hangman - Sung by Mr. C. J. Cagle Woolsey, Arkansas June 4, 1954
Hangman, hangman, hold your rope,
And hold it for awhile,
I think I see my father a-comin',
He's rode for many a mile.
Father, have you brought me gold,
Or have you brought me free,
Or have you come to see me hung,
Upon this gallows tree?
Oh no, I haven't brought you gold,
Nor, I haven't brought you free,
But now I've come to see you hung,
Upon this gallows tree.
(The next verses are similar to these, using mother, brother, and sister. The last verses are given below.)
Oh hangman, hangman, hold your rope,
And hold it for awhile,
I think I see my sweetheart a-comin',
She's rode ten thousand miles.
Oh sweetheart, sweetheart, have you brought me silver,
Or have you brought me gold,
Or have you come to see me hung,
Upon this gallows tree.
Oh yes, I've brought you silver,
Oh yes, I've brought you gold,
And now I've come to take you home,
And live forever with me.