The Hangman's Tree- Parker (AR) 1958 Parler B
[Not a local title. From Ozark Folk Songs online. Collected for Mary C. Parler by Karl T. Gosnell; Reel 273, Item 3.
R. Matteson 2015]
The Hangman's Tree (or, The Maid Freed from the Gallows) - Sung by Carroll Wayne Parker of Ola, Arkansas November 27, 1958.
Slack your rope, oh hangman,
Oh, slack it for a while;
I think I see my father coming,
Riding many a mile.
O father, have you brought me gold?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see me hanging
On the gallows tree?
I have not brought you gold;
I have not paid your fee;
But I have come to see you hanging
On the gallows tree.
Slack your rope, oh hangman,
Oh, slack it for a while;
I think I see my mother coming,
Riding many a mile.
Oh, mother, have you brought me gold?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see me hanging
On the gallows tree?
I have not brought you gold;
I have not paid your fee;
But I have come to see you hanging
On the gallows tree.
Slack your rope, oh hangman,
Oh, slack it for a while;
I think I see my true love coming,
Riding many a mile.
Oh, true love, have you brought me gold?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see me hanging
On the gallows tree?
Yes, I have brought you gold;
Yes, I have paid your fee;
Nor have I come to see you hanging
On the gallows tree.