In the stillness of life,  a soul drowns in strife
  Stop that hammering outside I implore!
But as night becomes day, a ringing echoes my way
  So I move toward the jail-house door.
Is that singing I hear, so angelic, so clear?
  I lean a bit closer to make sure.
But a clack of the lock,  reveals a priest in frock
  My last meal is then set on the floor.
 

"Preacher!"  said I.  "Tell the truth, do not lie
  On this day will your god be appeased?"
With a shake of his head, these somber words he said
  "I am sorry, he will be quite displeased."
And with time growing short, I take one last snort
  From the bottle between my knees.
There are no regrets as I take those thirteen steps
  To the top of the scaffold with ease.


My eyes are now cast on the people who've amassed
  Many had made the long haul.
With the trapdoor set, a rope around my neck
  I await the hangman's call.
Weighted sacks at my feet and a singing so sweet 
  I stand on the scaffold tall.
Once an outlaw at large, I now make one last charge
  With the snap of my neck, I fall!


"Yes we shall gather at the river
the beautiful, the beautiful river.
Gather with your neighbors at the river
as I make my way unto God..."