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

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