Collected by Merlin Mitchell
Transcribed by Mary C. Parler
Tommy Huffhines
Crane, Missouri
December 10, 1950
Reel 88, Item 1
Thirteen Steps Away
The day is slowly dawning,
My doom I soon must meet,
The chair of death is waiting
Where I must take my seat.
The cap of black will blind me,
The straps will hold me flat,
The juice will flood my body
Until I leave my life.
Chorus:
Just thirteen steps away,
Just thirteen steps away,
Eternity is waiting me
Just thirteen steps away.
A mother's heart is broken,
With Dad it's just the same,
My darling's tears are flowing,
I've brought them all to shame.
In time I've learned my lesson,
But not before too late,
If I could live life over,
I would not meet this fate.
Chorus:
I've prayed and read my Bible
All through the sleepless night,
And for the long year after
I know I made things right.
I hear the warden coming,
To lead me from my cell,
Just thirteen steps to travel,
Farewell, old world, farewell.
Chorus:
(Instrumental—mandolin and fiddle.)