Written by Marty Stuart 



Way down in Harlan County

On a cold and lonesome night

A tormented man with a gun in his hand

Went searching for his wife 

When he found her in another's arms 

She began to scream and cry

As he put the gun to his own head, 

Said it's time for me to die



Her lover begged forgiveness

From that woman's man

I swear to you, she never wore

A ring upon her hand



Her husband took a letter 

From his canvas overcoat

Then before their eyes he killed himself

And here is what he wrote