Papist and the Hangman

(1)

(Em)The village square stands silent with the (G)curfew still in force

The (Am)streets are even clear of dogs and (Em)whores.

Like (Em)some evil bird of prey, the (G)scaffold spreads its wings

The (Am)people build their fires and bolt their (Em)doors.

(2)

The (C)mayor is giving dinner to the (D)officers and wives

His (C)eldest son is learning how to (D)fawn

The (C)barrack block is hushed and tense, the soldiers (D)drawing lots.

(C)Who will be the (G)hangman in the (D)dawn?

(1)

The lot fall on a young man who has served but a year

His home is in the village close nearby

He shivers at the thought of what he's forced to do next day

And wonders who it is that has to die

(2)

The full moon casts a cold light on the gloomy prison walls

The papist walks his cell he cannot sleep

He hears the wailing gallows creaking just beyond the door

He prays for he has no more tears to weep

(1)

The day begins to break, the muffled drum begins to sound

The crowd begins to gather in the square

The presence of the hangman in his terrifying mask

Hangs heavy on the minds of all those there

(2)

The colonel reads the sentence which the papist knows by heart

He has failed to show allegiance to the King

His crime is thus with God himself, in his name he must hang

The papist, head held high, says not a thing.

(1)

The jailer binds his hands and puts the blindfold to his eyes,

And leads through the door before the crowd.

The hangman sees his victim and the blood drains from his face

He sees his younger brother standing proud.

(2)

The hangman tries to protest but is ordered to proceed.

His trembling hands begin to take the strain

His eyes are blind with streaming tears, he cries for all to hear,

'Forgive me, God, we hang him in thy name

Forgive me, God, we hang him in thy name.'