His momma cried when she heard the news Of the crime that he had been accused Said he shot him down So at the age of 21 The gavel fell and his life was gone They said take him to the hangman's tree Chorus Now won't you take him to the hangman's tree Won't you take him to the hangman's tree Won't you take him Take him to the hangman's tree And so he waited for that day Locked inside those prison walls of gray Waiting for the end Without a fight he gave his life Eye for an eye legal suicide His escape was complete Chorus Good God take him! Now won't you take him to the hangman's tree Won't you take him to the hangman's tree Won't you take him Take him to the hangman's tree To the hangman's tree No! No! No! God no! NO! Now they're taking him Whoa down from the hangman's tree