I used to play folk clubs in London in the 1970's and this was one of the songs I always sang. I wrote it when I was at school before going to University.
Hangman's tree

I rode past a country town on a half dead big black horse
I'd been riding all the night to escape an untimely death
the horse's breath appeared like steam and my heart felt fit to burst
came upon this wayside inn was time for sleep and rest

Hid my pistols inside my coat and stuffed the gold coins deep
wiped the blood from off of my face where the branches had cut deep
the horse was safely stabled by a lad with a withered hand
many a mile I'd come that day and hoped 3 score and 10

Barmaid smiled the landlord cried come in and sit right down
the way you walk and the way you look , oh wench bring the man some wine
thanks kind sir I tried to say as I took my cup in hand
lend me a room to spend the night I can well afford the rent

Landlord then stopped his ways and shook his head and smiled
sorry Sire that I cannot do, cos a highway man is free
they say this man is mean and cold and would kill for a slice of bread
and if I gave a room to this lad turned wild in the morning I'd be dead

may I sleep upon the floor of the stable with my horse
as soon as the sun is in the sky I will ride upon my way
and as these words they left my lips the alehouse door flew open
stay where you are we're the King's men we got pistols at your head

A scream went up as I dived down, pulling my pistols free
2 shots rang out, one man fell dead, giving me the time I need
I was out the window in a flash and climbing on a horse
I clubbed the Kings man on the head and made it through the night

I rode so hard my body ached , no rest could I afford
cos now the price of 3 men's deaths is hanging on my head
seems so sad that a year ago well I was a farmer's son
how times have changed, I'm on the run away from the Hangman's tree.

RealTracks in song:
~598:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Bluegrass Doc Ev 100
378:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming DoubleTime Ev 088
1758:Banjo, Rhythm, Pop16ths Ev 085

Written before Adam and the Ants appeared on the scene for the Brits that remember him!

enjoy

Alyn

Ah....a story song! If it wasn't
so early in the day we'd fill our pint
glass with a good IPA and listen
another couple of times -- perhaps
this evening.

Great imagery -- I can imagine it
all and in color to boot!

Along with so many genres and
sub-genres story songs seem to
have nearly disappeared. Thanks
for the reminder of how much fun
they are.

Well done!!

J&B

Hi Alyn,

thanks for this entertaining story.

Guenter

Good story and production. Everything comes together nicely.

Thanks for posting.

Charlie

Hey Alyn.

Another song with imagery.

First of all I was in the 70s folk club, watching you perform this song and trying not to get high on secondary smoking of strange substances - I never dabbled personally. Then the narrative took over and I was lost in a world of taverns and highwaymen.

Great and diverse / original stuff as usual.

Oh and yes, "Stand and Deliver" - I remember it well!

Whatever next? It's sure to be entertaining.

ROG.

Hello Alyn,

that's quite some story, and quite some lyrics too!
Very original, how old were you again when you wrote this?
We like the backing voice on the chorus, and of course throughout this song there is your typical 'British' sound :-)
also like the musical arrangement although there are just three real tracks.
Keep them coming!

Rob & Anne-Marie

It's always fun for me to listen to a song where rhymes are less important than the story.

Good listen, and nice background vocals, too.

Alyn,

What an interesting write! The RT selection works perfectly.

You are an original. (good mix, btw)

fj

Janice and Bud

Thank you. I am so glad you saw it in colour!!
And yes story songs have almost totally disappeared as music evolves.

Thanks for listening

Guenter

So glad you enjoyed it

Charlie

Thanks for listening

Alyn

That's an excellent story song Alyn, nicely done.

I dabbled in folk clubs for brief while in the early 70s, once playing support to The Ian Campbell Folk Group. I moved back into blues soon after because I wanted to make louder noise!

John

ROG,

You were there and you didn't buy me a pint
The atmosphere was an experience to an "innocent" Public school boy!
I am glad my narrative worked and transported you back to the 17th Century.

Rob & Anne-Marie
Thanks for the compliments!!!

I wrote this as a poem for my English Literature homework when I was 17 and turned it into a song almost immediately. It was not liked by the teacher as he wanted a "moon...June" rhyming poem and so got me in a bit of trouble!! I was in a Boarding school and, along with another incident, led to my guitar getting confiscated as well!! So in a way it helped me pass my exams!!! and leave the *****y place.

Alyn

David

Thanks for that, I really appreciate it.


floyd

Thanks floyd, to tell the truth the mix was not too difficult with so few tracks, thankfully!!

Alyn

John

Wow a support to Ian Campbell!! I was always the 1st on, half a dozen songs and off whilst having to put up with the guys, in beards, sandals and grey socks, setting up for the main act. But I met Ralph McTell once!
I soon gave up and went noisy myself.

Glad you enjoyed

Alyn

Now that is quite a story. And the backstory of your school days was too.

Liked your arrangement and sound on it.


Josie

Hi Alyn ...

Have to agree with everything that has been said. Great story and a clear, crisp production. We really like this one ... good show!

BTW, I (Alan) am of Welsh descent ... primarily Glamorgan (Cardiff and Swansea)and Cardiganshire (Tregaron). there werre a couple of strays from Pembrokeshire, too.

All that said, we really enjoyed your song! Best to you ...

Alan & Di

Alyn, This is a fun listen. I can surely picture you singing this in the clubs. You captured the vibe very well and held my attention throughout. Good use of the real tracks and a good idea to keep it sparse and folky sounding. I enjoyed it very much. Tom

Interesting and well-written story song!! What came to my mind was Sting's "I hung my head" and Springsteen's "Outlaw Pete". You should check these out if you're not familiar with them-both worth the listen. Cool song!! Take care. Greg

Josie


Thanks for listening. My songs usually have a story attached altho' this was a bit different LOL.

Glad you enjoyed.

Alan and Di

First of all I have to wish Diane all the best for her recovery and I understand how hard it must be for you to be strong for her. Take care dear friend.



Well, well I live in Neath, a few miles from Swansea, but my mother's relatives went to Australia many many years back. Mum came back to the UK for the 2nd World War; met Dad and here I am!!

Thanks for listening!And your story!!!


Alyn

Tom


Thanks a lot, just posting that song has set my memory into overdrive!!
The song is almost exactly the same as my live version except the RT's sounded better than my strumming so me and my 12 string were sent to the scrap heap

Glad you enjoyed the story!

Alyn

Greg


OUTLAW PETE!! that is one of my favourites by Brucie that I had almost forgotten about, thanks for reminding me; I have just listened again to that masterpiece.
I hadn't heard Sting's "I hung my head" so I googled it and came across Johnny Cash's version. EXCELLENT!! That's the version I like!!

Thanks for listening and the comparison BUT thanks for the 2 songs, I am proud to be mentioned in the same paragraph as those 2 greats.

All the best

Alyn

Alyn, I think this is your best to date. You vocal is very good and your mix is also.

Two thumbs up.

Mario,

Thanks for that, it is still one of my favourite songs.

All the best

Alyn