“The Gallis Pole,” a traditional folk song famously recorded by Lead Belly, tells a poignant narrative reflecting the plight of many African Americans in the Deep South. Despite efforts from friends and relatives to intervene with offerings of silver and gold, and even the condemned’s sister offering herself to the hangman, the grim reality remains unchanged. The hangman, with a chilling smile, proceeds to carry out the execution regardless.
Hangman! Hangman!
Hold it a little while…
[Instrumental, Harmonica, Guitar, Upright Bass, Percussion]
[Verse]
Hangman, hangman, hold it a little while,
Think I see my friends coming, Riding a many mile.
[Instrumental, Harmonica, Guitar, Upright Bass, Percussion]
Friends, did you get some silver?
Did you get a little gold?
What did you bring me, my dear friends, To keep me from the Gallows Pole?
What did you bring me to keep me from the Gallows Pole?
[Instrumental, Fiddle, Upright Bass, Mandolin, Percussion]
[Break]
I couldn’t get no silver, I couldn’t get no gold,
You know that we’re too damn poor to keep you from the Gallows Pole.
[Instrumental, Upright Bass, Fiddle, Banjo, Percussion]
[Verse]
Hangman, hangman, hold it a little while,
I think I see my brother coming, riding a many mile.
Brother, did you get me some silver?
Did you get a little gold?
What did you bring me, my brother, to keep me from the Gallows Pole?
Brother, I brought you some silver,
I brought a little gold, I brought a little of everything
To keep you from the Gallows Pole.
Yes, I brought you to keep you from the Gallows Pole.
[Instrumental, Piano, Guitar Solo, Upright Bass, Drum Fills]
[Break, Increase Tempo]
Hangman, hangman, turn your head awhile,
I think I see my sister coming, riding a many mile, mile, mile.
[Instrumental, Upright Bass, Fiddle, Banjo, Percussion]
[Break]
Sister, I implore you, take him by the hand,
Take him to some shady bower, save me from the wrath of this man,
Please take him, save me from the wrath of this man, man.
[Bridge]
[Instrumental]
Hangman, hangman, upon your face a smile,
Pray tell me that I’m free to ride,
Ride for many mile, mile, mile.
[Verse]
Oh, yes, you got a fine sister, She warmed my blood from cold,
Brought my blood to boiling hot To keep you from the Gallows Pole,
Your brother brought me silver, Your sister warmed my soul,
But now I laugh and pull so hard And see you swinging on the Gallows Pole
Swingin’ on the gallows pole!
[Outro]
Swingin’ on the gallows pole!
Swingin’ on the gallows pole!
Swingin’ on the gallows pole!
[End]