Tom Dooley lyrics

Frank Warner/John Lomax/Alan Lomax

(Spoken recitation over musical accompaniment)
Throughout history, there have been many songs written about the eternal triangle. This next one tells the story of Mister Grayson, a beautiful woman, and a condemned man named Tom Dooley. When the sun rises tomorrow, Tom Dooley must hang.

Chorus:
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley. Hang down your head and cry.
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley. Poor boy, you're bound to die.

I met her on the mountain. There I took her life. Met her on the mountain. Stabbed her with my knife.

(Chorus)

This time tomorrow. Reckon where I'll be. Hadn't-a been for Grayson, I'd-a been in Tennessee.

(Chorus)

This time tomorrow. Reckon where I'll be. Down in some lonesome valley hangin' from a white oak tree.

(Chorus)