(Verse)

Old Jimmy, two days an outlaw

Hit a cattle farm and a bank

Stopped at the saloon for whiskey

And tried to start him up a gang

But this town were new for old Jimmy

Little did this outlaw know

In the center of town, standing tall

Was an old and bloody oak

(Chorus)
Oh, the hanging tree

That old hanging tree

Its branches strong, thick and long

Make ready the hanging tree

(Verse)

The bartender said “Big Willy

We got us an outlaw here”

Sister Ada yelled “Praise Jesus”

The whole bar began to cheer

Three men grabbed old Jimmy

He kicked and screamed and plead

They dragged him out to the center of town

A put a hood over his head 

(Chorus)

(Verse)

There were no judge or lawman

Just a crowd all whisperin’ low

And Big Willy with a ladder

And a tied-off length of rope

He looped it around old Jimmy

Threw the end over a lead

Tied the loose end up to a colt

Shouted out so he would flee 

(Chorus)

(Verse)

Old Jimmy soon stopped swingin’ 

As the whispers turned to moans

“Dear God, forgive this sinner

And take his body home” 

The crowd all said “Amen”

Sister Ada took a knee

Big Willy then cut old Jimmy down

The crowd walked off silently 

(Chorus)