Johnny Hart

[Verse 1] Johnny Hart, he was a desperate little man He had a razor and a pistol every day Cut down a man on the free state line You shoulda seen Johnny Hart gettin' away, oh Lord See Johnny Hart gettin' away [Verse 2] Johnny Hart made a run for the free state line There he thought he'd be free Man came walkin' and a-grabbed him by the arm Saying, "Johnny, come along with me, poor boy Johnny, come along with me" [Verse 3] Johnny Hart he wrote his mom and dad Sayin', "Come here and go my bail" But money won't go his murdering charge They laid Johnny Hart back in jail, oh Lord Laid Johnny Hart back in jail [Verse 4] Now the first one to visit Johnny Hart in jail Was a girl with the 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" [Verse 5] Now the next one to visit Johnny Hart in jail Was his lively wife, she was so brave Said, "I'd rather see you in your winding sheets Than to see you on that long ragged chain, dear God See you on that long ragged chain" [Verse 6] Johnny Hart he stood in his jail cell And a tear ran down his eye Said, "I been the death of many a deputy sheriff My six gun has never told a lie, no Lord My six gun has never told a lie" (Hey) [Verse 7] "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 loose from this ball and chain I'm gonna make it to the free state line, dear God Make it to the free state line [Verse 8] "You've got guards to the east, guards to the west You got guards this whole world 'round But before I'll be a slave, I'll rot in your ground You can take me to my hangin' ground, Mr. Jailor Take me to my hangin' ground"