[Verse 1]
Slack you rope, hangman
Slack it for a while
I think I see my father coming
Ridin' many a mile
Father, have you brought me hope?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see hanging
From the gallows tree?

[Refrain]
"I have not brought you hope
I have not paid your fee
Yes, I have come to see you hanging
From the gallows tree"

[Verse 2]
Slack your rope, hangman
Slack it for a while
I think I see my mother comin'
Ridin' many a mile
Mother, have you brought me hope?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see hanging
From the gallows tree?
[Refrain]
"I have not brought you hope
I have not paid your fee
Yes, I have come to see you hanging
From the gallows tree"

[Verse 3]
Slack your rope, hangman
Slack it for a while
I think I see my brother comin'
Ridin' many a mile
Brother, have you brought me hope?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see hanging
From the gallows tree?

[Refrain]
"I have not brought you hope
I have not paid your fee
Yes, I have come to see you hanging
From the gallows tree"

[Verse 4]
Slack your rope, hangman
Slack it for a while
I think I see my true love comin'
Ridin' many a mile
True love, have you brought me hope?
Or have you paid my fee?
Or have you come to see hanging
From the gallows tree?
[Refrain]
"Yes, I have brought you hope
Yes, I have paid your fee
For I've not come to see you hanging
From the gallows tree"