I HUNG MY HEAD

Early one morning with time to kill

I borrowed Jeb'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

Then 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

I hung my head; I hung my head

I set off running to wake from the dream

and my brother's rifle went into the stream

I kept on running into the salt lands

And that's where they found me my head in my hands

The sheriff he asked me why had I run

Then it came to me just what I had done

And all for no reason, just one piece of lead

I hung my head; I hung my head

Here in the courthouse, the whole town is 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 said I felt the power of death over life

I orphaned his children; I widowed his wife

I beg their forgiveness; I wish I was dead

I hung my head; I hung my head

Early one morning with time to kill

I see the gallows up on the hill

and out on the distance - a trick of the brain

I see a lone rider crossing the plain

He's come to fetch me to see what they've done

Then we'll ride together til kingdom come

I pray for God's mercy for soon I'll be dead

I hung my head; I hung my head

- STING