JOHNNY HART

Johnny Hart, he was a desperate little man Got raisin' and ran a pistol one day Cut down a man on a Free State land You would see Johnny Hart getting away, oh lord See Johnny Hart getting away Johnny Hart made a run for the Free State land There he thought he'd be free Man came walkin' and grabbin' by the arms Saying “Johnny come along with me, bull boy” Johnny come along with me Johnny Hart, he wrote to his mom and dad Said “Come here and bring my bail” But mommy won't pay his murdering charge They laid Johnny Hart back in jail, oh lord They laid Johnny Hart back in jail Now the first one to visit Johnny Hart in jail Was a girl with a rag on her head Said “I never thought I'd see you in that jail I believe I'd rather see you dead, Johnny Hart” I believe I'd rather see you dead Now the next one to visit Johnny Hart in jail Was his wise wife, she was so brave Said “I'd rather see you in your winding sheets Than to see you on a long rattling chain, oh god” Than to see you on a long rattling chain Johnny Hart, in his jail suits And tears ran down his eyes Said “I been the death of many deputy sheriffs My six-gun has never took it loud, no no” My six-gun has never told it loud Well, I've run to the east, I've run to the west I've run just as far as I can If I ever get lose from this ball and this chain I'm gonna make it to the Free State land, yeah god Make it to the Free State land You got guards to the east, guards to the west You got guards to this whole world round But before I be a slave, I'll run your door You can take me to my hangin' ground, mister jailor Take me to my hangin' ground