Collected by Max Hunter (H-11)
For Mary C. Parler
Transcribed by Frances Majors
Sung by Mrs. Laura McDonald
Springdale, Arkansas
July, 1953
Reel 255-56, Item 9
The Hangman
Hangman, oh hangman, just wait awhile,
Just wait a little while,
Till I see my father,
For he's rode a many a long mile.
Oh father, oh father, do bring me gold
To pay my bond so free;
Or have you come to see me hung
Beneath the willow tree?
Oh daughter, oh daughter, I brought you no gold
To pay your bond so free;
But I have came, to see you hung
Beneath the willow tree.
Oh mother, oh mother, do bring me gold,
To pay my bond so free;
Or have you come to see me hung
Beneath the willow tree?
Oh daughter, oh daughter, I brought you no gold
To pay your bond so free;
But I have come to see you hung
Beneath the willow tree.
Oh brother, oh brother, do bring me gold
To pay my bond so free;
Or have you come to see me hung
Beneath the willow tree?
Oh sister, oh sister, I brought you no gold
To pay your bond so free;
But I have come to see you hung
Beneath the willow tree.
Oh lover, oh lover, do bring me gold
To pay my bond so free;
Or have you come to see me hung
Beneath the willow tree?
Oh sweetheart, oh sweetheart, I brought you gold
To pay your bond so free;
I have not come to see you hung,
But to take you home with me.