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"