I Hung My Head tells the story of a young man who accidentally kills someone with a rifle and faces the consequences of his actions. It was inspired by Stings fascination with the American West and themes of life, death, and redemption.
Key: C
Introduction:
C
F
C
F
C
C
C
F
Early one morning with time to kill
Am
F
I borrowed Jebb's rifle and sat on the hill
C
F
I saw a lone rider crossing the plain
Am
F
I drew a bead on him to practice my aim
Dm
G
My brother's rifle went off in my hand
G
C
A shot rang out across the land
F
Am
The horse, he kept running, the rider was dead
C
F
I hung my head, I hung my head
C
C
F
I set off running to wake from the dream
Am
F
My brother's rifle went into the sheen
C
F
I kept on running into the south lands
Am
F
That's where they found me, my head in my hands
Dm
G
The sheriff he asked me why had I run
G
C
And then it came to me just what I had done
F
Am
And all for no reason, just one piece of lead
C
F
I hung my head, I hung my head
C
C
F
Here in the courthouse, the whole town was there
Am
F
I see the judge high up in his chair
C
F
Explain to the courtroom what went through your mind