Seven & Change

The gallows sway up on Stoneman's hill
As the west wind screams through the night
In the morning the timbers will groan and sigh
With the weight of Jack McRae's life

On a warm summer night in Danville, Virginia
To the traveling show Jack went
And that's where he first saw Lucy Pierce
He was sure she was heaven sent

The music was thick as a Chesapeake night
And Jack caught Ms. Lucy's eye
He sidled up next to the lovely Ms. Pierce
And across the dance floor they did fly

Later that night when the band was gone
Two paramours lay under the stars
They talked of the future and that old-time music
To the memory of ringing guitars

Soon Jack headed down to the village square
His boots trod on the wooden sidewalk
A nosegay of daffodils conveyed his love
As he headed on down the block

He walked past the church as the bells were ringing
And the doors opened up to a cheer
Out stepped Lucy, all dressed in white
Her arms locked with a suave buccaneer

Jack's breaking heart could be heard 'cross the south
All the way down to Atlanta
Fueled by a rage he struck them both down
And then fled south to Savannah

Well the law caught Jack and put him in irons
And to the judge he had nothing to say
The judge said, Son, you'll wear hemp for your crime
And the ultimate price you will pay

Now time sneaks up on Jack like a bandit
He sees nothing through his thousand yard stare
The hangman's got his gibbet fine-tuned
And Jack utters useless prayers

The bottom dropped out and Jack started dancing
He's sporting a hemp rope necktie
Once again his feet are as light as air
It took him seven and change to die