The Lynch mob gathered in the square across from the jail

Young Billy watched them from his cell and felt his courage fail

Bill swore he wasn't guilty but the evidence was plain

Tomorrow he would go on trial for killing Mary Jane

They shouted beat the prisoner hardy we're gonna have a Lynchin' party

Gonna hang him high watch him die for killing Mary Jane



The mob is closer to the jail excitement all around

The deputies kept moving back afraid to hold their ground

Then the young girl cried you cowards but the Lynch mob searched ahead

Dragged young Billy from that jail and soon the kid was dead

They shouted beat the prisoner hardy...



The weeks went by and no one spoke about it anymore

Or seemed to see the wreath Bill's mother hung upon the door

Then one night they dragged a ragged hobo from a train

And he confessed he was the one who killed young Mary Jane

They shouted beat the prisoner hardy...

Gonna hang him high watch him die for killing Mary Jane